Maersk launches Tangier-Casablanca rail service to ease Morocco port congestion
This rail corridor also plays a vital role in building more resilient and diversified trade connections between Morocco and Europe.
MOROCCO – Maersk has introduced an integrated rail service linking Tangier and Casablanca to address growing operational bottlenecks and enhance trade flows across North Africa by positioning Tangier as Morocco’s primary maritime gateway.
The new intermodal transport solution aims to optimize logistics for Moroccan supply chains, offering customers an agile, reliable, and predictable corridor for moving goods into the country’s key economic centres.
The Port of Casablanca has long been one of Africa’s most critical maritime hubs, processing 17 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of 2026 alone. In June 2026, cargo throughput reached 3.53 million tonnes, marking a remarkable 32% year-on-year increase.
While Casablanca accounts for approximately 35% of Morocco’s overall port traffic, this immense volume has led to persistent operational challenges, including severe gateway congestion and limited operational flexibility.
By shifting volume away from the overcrowded Casablanca docks, the initiative gives businesses greater supply-chain predictability and more agile logistics options.
Strategic Corridor and End-to-End Integration
The rail link between the two strategic hubs is fully operational today. With regular departures and reliable transit times, the service enables businesses to optimize inventory management, refine operational planning, and maintain a steady flow of goods. Maersk’s end-to-end integration extends beyond maritime and rail transport, providing shippers with a single point of contact throughout the logistics journey.
Beginning with the ocean leg to Tangier and continuing via dedicated rail to Casablanca, the solution also offers flexible customs clearance options, inland storage, and final-mile delivery by truck.
Customer Focus and Future Outlook
Ruben Moratinos, Head of Sales Maghreb, Maersk, highlighted the customer-centric focus of the new intermodal offering: “What excites me most about this solution is that it addresses a challenge we hear from customers every day. By bringing Tangier and Casablanca together, we’re creating a simpler way to move cargo into Morocco’s main commercial center. Customers benefit from broader access to global trade flows, more choices in how they manage their supply chains, and a solution that can support growth as their business evolves.”
This rail corridor also plays a vital role in building more resilient and diversified trade connections between Morocco and Europe.
Finally, by providing a robust intermodal alternative, the initiative reduces reliance on any single mode of transport and enhances overall supply chain agility.
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