As part of its ambitious vision of development and economic sovereignty, Morocco has set itself a strategic objective: to build a national maritime fleet composed of 100 ships by 2040. This project, in line with the enlightened vision of His Majesty the King Mohammed VI, reflects a determination to position the Kingdom as a key player in the global maritime economy.
This ambition is based on an in-depth study, carried out in collaboration with a renowned international firm. The analysis is based on a detailed assessment of the Moroccan maritime ecosystem and on benchmarks of international best practices. More than 100 consultations with public and private stakeholders made it possible to establish a clear and pragmatic roadmap, which will define the main steps to achieve this objective.
This methodical approach illustrates Morocco’s commitment to designing adapted and sustainable solutions to develop its maritime sector, consistent with its national and regional priorities.
A fleet serving regional integration and the national economy
Morocco, thanks to its strategic position and its world-class port infrastructure, such as Tanger Med and the future port of Dakhla Atlantique, aspires to become a leading maritime hub. The creation of a national fleet will make it possible to strengthen the economic integration of the countries on the Atlantic coast of Africa, while supporting the socio-economic development of the Kingdom.
This fleet, the pivot of the strategy, will also respond to the new challenges of global maritime transport. It will be designed to support emerging strategic flows, notably the export of green hydrogen, while consolidating Morocco’s influence in international trade circuits.
Structuring reforms for competitiveness
To achieve this ambition, the establishment of an attractive regulatory and tax framework is essential. Among the proposed measures:
- Adoption of a tonnage taxin line with international standards, to attract more investors.
- Reduction of costs linked to ship charteringin particular the elimination of the 10% withholding tax.
- Increased flexibility in the employment of Moroccan sailorsin order to better integrate the international market and attract more operators to the sector.
These reforms aim to boost the competitiveness of the future fleet and attract the capital needed to finance this transformation.
A Moroccan pavilion and a public-private partnership
Rather than requiring an exclusively Moroccan flag, the strategy takes a pragmatic approach. It will include Moroccan-flagged vessels and vessels operated by companies where Moroccan capital, whether public or private, plays a significant role. This approach will make it possible to strengthen the Moroccan presence in international maritime circuits while maximizing the economic benefits for the Kingdom.
A vision driven by Royal ambition
This ambitious strategy is part of Morocco’s efforts to strengthen its strategic autonomy and international influence. By acquiring a fleet of 100 ships by 2040, the Kingdom intends to assert its role as a regional and global leader in the maritime economy.
With a clear vision and structuring reforms, Morocco is transforming its ambition into a tangible reality, thus opening a new era for the national maritime industry. A fleet that will fly the colors of the Kingdom high on the oceans, embodying Moroccan resilience, modernity and excellence.
