Morocco is set to significantly expand its maritime infrastructure with two new deepwater ports, as the North African nation seeks to replicate the success of Tanger Med, Africa’s largest port. Equipment and Water Minister Nizar Baraka announced that Nador West Med on the Mediterranean coast will begin operations in the second half of 2026, while a major Atlantic port in Dakhla is scheduled to open in 2028.
Nador West Med, currently under construction, will initially offer 800 hectares for industrial activity, with plans to expand to 5,000 hectares—surpassing Tanger Med’s industrial zones. The port will also host Morocco’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, featuring a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) connected by pipeline to industrial hubs in the northwest. This move aligns with Morocco’s broader push to invest in natural gas and renewable energy, reducing the country’s reliance on coal.
Further south, the Dakhla port project in the disputed Western Sahara region will cost $1 billion and feature 1,600 hectares for industrial activities and 5,200 hectares of farmland irrigated with desalinated water. With a depth of 23 metres, Dakhla will be Morocco’s deepest port, designed to support heavy industries that process raw materials imported from Sahel countries. The port is also positioned as a gateway for landlocked Sahel nations to access global trade.
Both Nador and Dakhla ports will include specialized quays for exporting green hydrogen once production begins, reflecting Morocco’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. These facilities will mark Morocco’s third and fourth deepwater ports, alongside Tanger Med and Jorf Lasfar, which serves as a hub for energy, bulk cargo, and phosphate exports.
The expansion of industrial zones near Tanger Med already supports 1,400 firms employing 130,000 people in sectors such as automotive, aeronautics, textiles, agri-food, and renewable energy. Experts suggest that the new ports could further bolster Morocco’s automotive manufacturing by improving access to imported raw materials and enabling efficient exports of vehicles and auto components. Companies in the automotive sector could leverage these ports to scale production and tap into international markets, reinforcing Morocco’s position as a rising hub for car manufacturing in Africa.
Morocco is also evaluating the construction of a port in Tan-Tan on the Atlantic coast in partnership with green hydrogen investors. Studies are underway to determine the appropriate scale for this new facility, which would further complement the country’s growing industrial and energy infrastructure.
