Casablanca – Moroccan ports have demonstrated robust performance in the first quarter of 2024, with significant growth in trade volumes and exports. According to recent reports, the total volume of commercial traffic handled by Moroccan ports reached 55.2 million tonnes during this period, marking an increase of 13.3% compared to the previous year.

Breaking down the figures, domestic traffic saw a rise of 8%, reaching 28.3 million tonnes, while transshipment activity surged by 19.5%, totaling 26.9 million tonnes compared to the first quarter of 2023. Transshipment activity notably dominated the traffic distribution, representing 48.7% of the total traffic, followed by imports at 31.5%, exports at 16%, and coastal shipping at 3.1%.

In terms of specific cargo types, imports amounted to 17.4 million tonnes, reflecting an increase of 11.3%, while exports reached 8.8 million tonnes, up by 7.5%. However, coastal shipping experienced a decrease of 15.2%, totaling 1.7 million tonnes. Fuel bunkering also saw growth, with a volume of 422.8 thousand tonnes, rising by 5.7%.

Moreover, strategic traffic sectors witnessed significant upticks in activity during the first quarter of 2024. Container traffic surged by 16.8%, reaching 2.6 million TEUs, while imports of hydrocarbons increased by 9%, totaling 2.9 million tonnes. The grain sector saw a substantial rise of 40.4%, with 2.7 million tonnes handled, while phosphates and related products recorded a growth of 25.2%, totaling 6.8 million tonnes. International road transport also saw an increase of 8.3%, with 149,131 units, along with a 19.1% rise in new vehicle shipments, totaling 173,199 units. Conversely, coal traffic witnessed a decrease of 9.5%, totaling 2.5 million tonnes.

Passenger traffic, however, experienced a decline of 4.9%, with 576,955 passengers passing through Moroccan ports by the end of March 2024. Cruise activity also saw a sharp decrease of 45.4%, accommodating only 37,456 passengers.

Additionally, the volume of landings for coastal and artisanal maritime fishing products saw a 14% decrease in the first quarter of 2024, amounting to 181,280 tonnes.

The impressive performance of Moroccan ports in handling increased trade volumes and exports underscores the country’s growing importance as a key player in regional and international trade. With continued investments in infrastructure and strategic initiatives, Moroccan ports are poised to further enhance their role as vital gateways for commerce and economic growth in the region.