Marsa Maroc invests US$320M to expand Casablanca port container capacity to 2M TEUs
The redesign of storage areas will optimize container flow, reducing yard congestion and improving turnaround times for trucks and vessels.
MOROCCO – Marsa Maroc has announced a 3-billion Moroccan dirham (approx. US$320.4 million) investment plan to expand container handling capacity at the Port of Casablanca after securing a 20-year extension of its concession to operate Container Terminal 3.
The concession extension, granted to the company’s subsidiary TC3PC, will support a long-term expansion project to meet rising container traffic at Morocco’s largest port. Under the investment plan, Marsa Maroc aims to increase Terminal 3’s capacity from 600,000 to 900,000 TEUs by 2030.
The broader expansion is expected to raise the Port of Casablanca’s total container-handling capacity to more than 2 million TEUs. Casablanca currently handles approximately 40% of Morocco’s total containerized trade, making this expansion critical to the nation’s growing maritime commerce.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Operational Efficiency
The project includes extending quay infrastructure, upgrading cargo-handling equipment, and redesigning storage areas across the two container terminals operated by Marsa Maroc at the port.
The company said the improvements are intended to increase operational efficiency and cargo-processing capacity. The quay extensions will allow the port to accommodate larger vessels, while advanced cargo-handling equipment will reduce loading and unloading times for container ships.
The redesign of storage areas will optimize container flow, reducing yard congestion and improving turnaround times for trucks and vessels.
Strategic Impact on Morocco’s Maritime Trade
By investing in advanced cargo equipment and quay extensions, the project ensures the port remains a vital hub for international commerce.
The 20-year extension of the operational license provides long-term certainty for ongoing investment and infrastructure development. These strategic enhancements aim to improve operational efficiency and support the nation’s growing maritime trade.
Additionally, the investment aligns with Morocco’s national strategy to strengthen its position as a key trade gateway between Africa and Europe, supporting the country’s expanding export sectors, including agriculture, automotive, and textiles.
Furthermore, the investment in quay infrastructure and cargo-handling equipment will improve the port’s ability to handle larger vessels and growing container volumes, reducing transit times for perishable goods.
Finally, the 20-year concession extension provides long-term certainty for continued investment and infrastructure development, ensuring that Casablanca remains a competitive gateway for international trade and a vital hub for Morocco’s export-oriented industries, particularly the agricultural sector, which relies on efficient cold chain logistics to reach global markets.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates
