Shipping Arabia, November 5, 2026 – Morocco has officially launched operations at the East Container Terminal of Nador West Med Port, marking the first operational milestone in bringing the port complex into service. The terminal, operated by Marsa Maroc in partnership with Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), is expected to reach a handling capacity of 3.5 million containers by 2030.
Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan inaugurated the terminal’s operations under the instructions of King Mohammed VI. During the inauguration, the Crown Prince initiated the first unloading of a container from a commercial vessel, marking the beginning of operational activities at the facility.
The launch represents a significant step in the development of Nador West Med as a container transshipment hub, supported by investments and partnerships with major international shipping groups.
East Container Terminal Begins Operations With MAD 5 Billion Investment
The East Container Terminal features 1,520 linear meters of quay, an 18-meter draft and a land area covering 70 hectares. These facilities form part of the infrastructure developed to support container handling operations at Nador West Med.
The terminal represents an investment of approximately MAD 5 billion and is designed to reach a handling capacity of 3.5 million containers by 2030.
Marsa Maroc will operate the facility alongside Terminal Investment Limited, a subsidiary of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
The partnership brings together Morocco’s port operator and an international container terminal investment company associated with MSC, one of the world’s leading container shipping groups.
The start of operations at the East Container Terminal marks the initial phase of the broader Nador West Med port complex becoming operational.
Marsa Maroc Plans West Container Terminal Operations With CMA CGM in 2027
Beyond the East Container Terminal, Marsa Maroc confirmed that it will operate all terminals within the Nador West Med port complex, with an investment program valued at MAD 10 billion.
The company’s development plans include operating the West Container Terminal beginning in 2027 through a partnership with CMA CGM Group, another major international container shipping company.
The West Container Terminal will represent the next stage in the port’s operational development, following the launch of the eastern facility.
Marsa Maroc also plans to begin operating a general cargo terminal at Nador West Med in 2029, further expanding the types of cargo handling activities available within the port complex.
Together, these projects establish a phased operational program extending from the initial container terminal launch through the planned introduction of additional terminal facilities.
Nador West Med Development Targets Container Transshipment
The launch of the East Container Terminal represents an important step toward Marsa Maroc’s objective of developing Nador West Med into an efficient transshipment hub.
The company’s partnerships with Terminal Investment Limited and CMA CGM form part of this strategy, bringing major international container shipping groups into the port’s terminal operations.
Marsa Maroc stated that its teams remain engaged alongside their partners to support the development of Nador West Med and advance its future operational objectives.
With the East Container Terminal now entering service, attention will turn to the next stages of the port complex, including the planned West Container Terminal operations in 2027 and general cargo terminal operations in 2029.
Source: Marsa Maroc
