Introduction

The port of Tanger Med, a cornerstone of maritime trade in Africa and the Mediterranean, is preparing for a new expansion that could redefine its role in the sector. As transshipment traffic and import-export activities continue to rise, this initiative may prove essential to prevent the port from reaching capacity by 2025.

A Much-Anticipated Expansion: Tanger Med 3?

According to reports from the daily newspaper Les Inspirations Eco, a tender has been issued for an expansion that could be named Tanger Med 3. However, it is important to clarify that this expansion would not be an independent port but rather an extension of the existing Tanger Med 2. This project aims to address the growing congestion in maritime activities, a direct consequence of the increase in traffic.

A Growing Port

Inaugurated in 2007, the port of Tanger Med has quickly gained significance on the global stage due to its strategic geographic location at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar. In 2024, it handled 10.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), representing an 18.8% increase compared to 2023. This performance places Tanger Med among the top twenty ports worldwide, according to the Alphaliner ranking. However, this rapid growth raises concerns about potential saturation, highlighting the urgent need for an expansion.

Location Options for the Expansion

Maritime industry professionals propose two main hypotheses regarding the location of this future expansion. The first option considers extending the current site towards Ksar Sghir and the Royal Navy base. The second, more distant option suggests an extension to the west of the current complex, between Oued Alian and Malabata.

Ongoing Consultations

Port officials have not yet confirmed these locations, stating that the tender is currently not public and involves consultations with selected national and international stakeholders. The goal is to choose partners capable of supporting the Tanger Med Port Authority in this strategic initiative.

A Look to the Future: The Importance of an Evolutionary Approach

According to Professor Najib Cherfaoui, a maritime expert, an evolutionary approach from the design phase of Tanger Med could have allowed the port to handle nearly twenty million containers by 2025. This would have positioned Tanger Med among the top nine ports globally, surpassing maritime hubs like Los Angeles and Hong Kong. Although the port primarily serves as a transshipment center, it is beginning to play a crucial role in import-export activities, thereby strengthening its significance in the Moroccan economy.

Rapid Development Since 2003

Since its launch in 2003 and inauguration in 2007, Tanger Med has experienced exceptional development, capitalizing on its strategic location and capacity to accommodate global traffic. The first expansion, Tanger Med 2, solidified its position as a leader in Africa and the Mediterranean. The upcoming expansion represents a vital challenge to maintain this position and meet the demands of international maritime trade.

Conclusion

The future expansion of the port of Tanger Med is a crucial issue for Morocco and the Maghreb region. By addressing the growth of maritime traffic, this initiative will not only strengthen Tanger Med’s position on the international stage but also support the Moroccan economy as a whole. Upcoming developments will be closely monitored by both maritime industry stakeholders and international investors.

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KEYWORDS: Tanger Med, expansion, port, maritime trade, Maghreb, Morocco, transshipment, import-export, Ksar Sghir, Oued Alian.