Marsa Maroc's partnership with a French company to develop the Nador container terminal
Oriental Eco
Marsa Maroc and CMA Terminals, the operating arm of the global CMA CGM Group, announced the signing of a strategic partnership to exploit the West Mediterranean container terminal in the port of Nador, in a move aimed at strengthening Morocco's position as a pivotal logistics platform on international maritime routes. The agreement was signed in Marseille and Nador and represents a milestone in the development of port infrastructure in the East, where the Nador Container Terminal is expected to become a strategic hub for transshipment operations in the Mediterranean basin.
The joint venture, in which Marsa Maroc has a stake of 51% and CMA Terminals 49%, will manage, develop and operate the terminal, subject to the approval of the competent authorities. This alliance is part of the comprehensive partnership signed by Tanger Med Group with CMA CGM through 2024, emphasizing the Kingdom's growing role in the international maritime connectivity system.
Promising technical specifications for the new plant
Scheduled to be operational from 2027, the terminal will span 37.5 hectares with a 900-meter-long quay and a depth of 18 meters. The terminal will be equipped with eight dock cranes when completed, enabling it to handle an annual capacity of 1.8 million TEUs. At full capacity, it will become one of the highest performing transshipment centers in the Mediterranean.
The port benefits from a privileged geographical location in the Gulf of Battouya, close to the Strait of Gibraltar, complementing the Tanger Med system and enhancing the Kingdom's ability to attract international shipping lines. This location is a pivotal element of the national logistics diversification strategy and enhances regional competitiveness.
Integration of local expertise and global network
This partnership is based on a clear complementarity between the capabilities of both parties. Marsa Maroc contributes its local expertise in port operations, currently operating 25 terminals in 11 Moroccan ports with an annual turnover of over 60 million tons. CMA CGM brings the strength of its international network of more than 650 vessels operating in 177 countries, allowing the new terminal to benefit from direct access to the world's most important sea lanes.
This alliance aims to provide Morocco with a modern terminal that meets the highest standards of performance, safety and international connectivity, which will enhance the attractiveness of Nador West Mediterranean as a destination for major shipping lines and support logistics diversification at the national level.
A commitment to sustainability and environmental transition
Beyond the economic dimensions, this partnership is part of a vision that considers sustainability and modernization. CMA CGM is committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 and is developing maritime and logistics solutions with a low environmental footprint. For its part, Marsa Maroc continues to implement its strategic plan “Marsa 2030” which focuses on innovation, performance and international openness.
Through this cooperation, Morocco confirms its ability to attract leading international partners and build an integrated and sustainable port offer. The West Mediterranean port of Nador is positioned as a flagship project within the new generation of logistics infrastructures that seek to strengthen the economic sovereignty and regional competitiveness of the Kingdom, especially in the East, which is witnessing rapid development dynamics.
