Rabat, Morocco – His Majesty King Mohammed VI chaired a high-level working meeting on Wednesday to assess progress on the Nador West Med Port and Industrial Complex, as Morocco prepares for the official operational launch of this landmark project in the fourth quarter of the year. The meeting was held at the Royal Palace in Casablanca and brought together key officials involved in the development of the port.
According to a statement issued by the Royal Office, the meeting reflects the King’s long-term vision of positioning Morocco as a central player in global trade and logistics networks through the creation of world-class port infrastructure. The Nador West Med project is designed to complement the success of Tanger Med, which has become Africa’s leading port hub and one of the most important gateways in the Mediterranean region. Together, the two ports will form a strong national port system aimed at boosting competitiveness, supporting industrial expansion, and generating sustainable employment.
During the briefing session, Fouad Brini, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nador West Med, presented a detailed update on the project’s development. He confirmed that all core port infrastructure has now been completed. This includes 5.4 kilometers of protective breakwaters, 4 kilometers of operational quays, and four fully equipped power stations to support port activities. In addition, concession agreements for the port’s two container terminals have already been signed, with phased operations set to begin later this year.
The Nador West Med project is not limited to port facilities alone. It is an integrated platform combining maritime operations with industrial, logistics, and energy zones. To date, the complex has attracted a total investment of MAD 51 billion from both public and private sectors. One of the most significant components of the project is Morocco’s first liquefied natural gas terminal, which will have an annual capacity of 5 billion cubic meters. Alongside this, a dedicated hydrocarbon terminal will play a key role in strengthening national energy security and diversifying supply sources.
At the initial stage of operations, the port will be capable of handling up to 5 million containers per year and managing 35 million tonnes of liquid and solid bulk cargo. Future expansion phases are expected to increase this capacity substantially, reaching up to 12 million containers annually and an additional 15 million tonnes of liquid bulk cargo. These figures place Nador West Med among the most ambitious port developments in the Mediterranean basin.
The industrial and logistics zones surrounding the port are also progressing rapidly. In the first phase, activity areas covering 700 hectares have been developed, with several international companies already establishing operations. Current private sector investment has reached MAD 20 billion, demonstrating strong confidence from global investors in Morocco’s maritime strategy and industrial growth potential.
At the conclusion of the meeting, King Mohammed VI issued clear instructions to all stakeholders to ensure that the project is launched under optimal operational conditions. He stressed the importance of implementing targeted training programs to support investors, facilitate youth integration into the workforce, and enhance employability in the surrounding regions.
The King further emphasized that the benefits of the Nador West Med project must extend beyond the port itself and positively impact all provinces within its influence zone. He called for territorial upgrading initiatives and a comprehensive, multidimensional development plan to guarantee the project’s long-term sustainability and inclusive growth.
With its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and strong investment backing, the Nador West Med Port is expected to become a new pillar of Morocco’s economic transformation. The project represents a major step toward reinforcing the Kingdom’s role in international trade, strengthening energy security, and creating lasting opportunities for industry and employment across the region.
