The Tanger Med port is establishing itself as an essential hub despite tensions in the Red Sea. Rachid Houari, deputy general director of the port, detailed the reasons for this impressive growth and future prospects in an interview with Reuters, the highlights of which are included in the edition from Friday to Tuesday June 18 of the daily Eco Inspirations.
We note that Tanger Med has consolidated its position as the largest port in the Mediterranean in 2023, with a volume of 8.61 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEU), an increase of 13.4% compared to to 2022. This dynamic intensified in 2024, with a 14.9% increase in tonnage in the first quarter, reaching 33.3 million tonnes. Revenues followed this upward trend, increasing by 18.3% to reach 1 billion dirhams.Each terminal slightly exceeds its theoretical capacity, which makes us think that we could exceed nine million containers this year», Says the manager.
Located at the entrance to the Mediterranean, the port benefits from connections with 180 ports around the world. Its partnerships with shipping giants such as Maersk, Hapag Lloyd and CMA CGM strengthen its strategic position. Despite recent disruptions in the Red Sea, many ships continue to pass through the Suez Canal and the Moroccan port’s main traffic is with Africa, Europe and the Americas.
Today, the ambition is to increase the pace even further. “Our goal is to create a robust industrial ecosystem that supports the development of the port,” underlines Houari. Tanger Med is supported by dynamic industrial zones which house 1,200 companies and employ 110,000 people. In 2023, these zones generated exports worth $15 billion, or 20% of total Moroccan exports.
The port plans to expand these industrial zones from 2,500 hectares to 5,000 hectares to attract more investors in high value-added industries. A crucial approach also to create qualified jobs and strengthen the local economy.
Tanger Med also focuses on innovation and sustainable development to ensure its future growth. Initiatives to reduce the port’s carbon footprint and investments in cutting-edge technologies are underway. “We are aware of our environmental responsibility», affirms Houari. “Efforts are being made to integrate sustainable practices into all of our operations“, he emphasizes.
