TheMoroccan maritime sector is thriving!This has been confirmed by the Ministry of Equipment and Water. Moroccanportsexperienced animpressive growthin the first quarter of 2025. Overallcommercial trafficsurged by10.2%, reaching a record volume of60.8 million tons. In the previous year, this figure stood at 55.2 million tons. This performance reinforces Morocco’sstrategic positionas a regional maritime hub. Promising prospects are opening up for the national economy.

Growth of Moroccan Ports: Key Drivers

Thisnotable growthis the result of a dual impetus. Firstly,domestic traffichas made a significant contribution, increasing by7.7%to reach 30.5 million tons. Secondly,transshipmentexperienced an even more remarkable rise, soaring by12.7%to total 30.3 million tons. This now accounts for nearly half (49.9%) of total port traffic, highlighting the growing importance ofMoroccan portsas major connection points.

Trade Trends: Dynamic Exports and Booming Cabotage

A detailed analysis of the volumes reveals encouraging trends.Moroccan exportsshow particularly vigorous growth, increasing by13.7%to reach 10 million tons. This reflects the enhanced competitiveness of Moroccan products. Imports, on the other hand, have grown more modestly by 2.8%, totaling 17.9 million tons.

Another noteworthy development is the significant rise incabotage, which surged by31.6%to 2.2 million tons. This indicates better integration of goods flows within the country. However, the bunkering of hydrocarbons saw a slight decline of 7.1%, affecting vessels transiting through the Strait of Gibraltar.

Key Sectors: Containers, Hydrocarbons, and Phosphates on the Rise

Detailed Volume Analysis Reveals Encouraging Trends

Severalstrategic segmentshave significantly contributed to this overall performance.Container trafficrecorded a solid increase of10.5%, representing 2.9 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). This confirms the vitality of containerized trade.Imported hydrocarbonsalso grew by 7.2%, reaching 3.2 million tons.Phosphates and related products, a cornerstone of the Moroccan economy, increased by 2.3%, totaling 7.1 million tons.International road transportfollows the same positive trend, showing a rise of 7.1% (158,152 units).

However, not all indicators are positive.Coaldeclined by 1.8%, whilecerealssaw a significant drop of 22%, accounting for 2.1 million tons. The transport ofnew carsdecreased by 21% (136,854 units).

Passenger Sector: Recovery of Tourism and Cruises

Good news extends topassenger traffic, which has seen a notable improvement.720,645 peoplepassed through Moroccan ports, marking an increase of3.9%. Thecruise activityhas shown a spectacular recovery, with an impressive rise of46.9%. Ports welcomed 55,668 cruise passengers, reflecting the dynamism of the tourism sector. In contrast,coastal and artisanal fishingrecorded a decline of 24.5%, with 136,856 tons landed.

These figures from the first quarter of 2025 confirm therobustness of the Moroccan port sectorand its capacity to support the country’s economic growth. Investments in port infrastructure continue to yield positive results. Similarly, Morocco’s strategic vision as a gateway to Africa and Europe is proving beneficial.