Casablanca, the largest port in Morocco, is notable for its versatility and primary focus on commerce. Covering an area of 450 hectares, including 256 hectares of landfills, it offers more than 8 kilometers of linear quays and has the capacity to accommodate and handle up to 40 vessels simultaneously. This major maritime infrastructure includes a commercial port, a fishing port, a marina, as well as facilities and infrastructure dedicated to launching and dry-docking ships in the shipyards.

Located at the heart of Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Casablanca is situated in a relatively unprotected bay between the rocky points of El Hank to the west and Oukacha to the east. The port is strategically connected to the east by Boulevard Ben Aïcha and to the west by Boulevards des Almohades and des FAR, thereby serving the five entry points of the commercial port.

In terms of accessibility, the port benefits from an impressive railway network operated by ONCF, stretching 17,410 meters. This network runs alongside the port’s fence, starting at gate number 1 from the train station and extending beyond the phosphate pier to the extensive loading area. This rail integration enhances connectivity and facilitates the transport of goods to and from the port of Casablanca.

Features:

• Location: 33°36’N-7°37’W;
• Purpose: Commerce, fishing, ship repair, and recreation;
• Water depth: ranging from 7 m to 14 m.

History:

The first sheltered water area of about twelve hectares was created in 1906; it was in 1913 that a 100-hectare water area was constructed, protected by a main jetty parallel to the coast and a cross jetty. It was within this water area that various current berths and quays were built as needed. With the increase in traffic, developments within this area have continued uninterrupted to this day.

Key Dates:

• End of the 18^thcentury: then a barge port, Casablanca was already used for the export of grains;
• Beginning of the 19^thcentury: the port was open to international trade, while the city of Casablanca had fewer than 1,000 inhabitants;
• End of the 19^thcentury: Casablanca had become the Kingdom’s leading port, followed by Tangier and Mogador (Essaouira);
• 1932: the year the commercial mole was put into service;
• In 1972 and 1996, the Tarik and East container terminals were launched, respectively.