Morocco Invests $8 Billion in Port Expansion

Why this is here: Morocco’s Dakhla Atlantic Port will reach depths of 80 metres upon completion in 2028, allowing it to receive some of the world’s largest cargo vessels.

Morocco is investing roughly $8 billion to expand its ports and related infrastructure through 2030. Sanae El Amrani, Director of Ports and the Maritime Public Domain, outlined a plan encompassing six new ports, expansions to five existing facilities, and six ship repair docks. This initiative aims to position Morocco as a key trade and energy hub connecting Europe, Africa, and the Atlantic.

The country handled approximately 262 million tonnes of cargo last year, an increase of 8.9 percent. Officials anticipate increasing port capacity by about 15 percent to exceed 450 million tonnes annually. The Dakhla Atlantic Port, currently 58 percent complete, is central to plans for connecting Sahel countries to international trade.

However, the success of these projects depends on continued investment and navigating increasing international competition for influence over African maritime routes. Morocco also intends to adapt ports for green hydrogen and renewable energy exports, reflecting a global shift in energy priorities, but the scale of demand remains uncertain. Work continues to solidify Morocco’s role in global logistics.