Morocco’s Nador West Med port welcomes first commercial ships

Morocco has brought a new major port facility into operation ahead of schedule. Nador West Med, initially expected to begin operations in 2027, welcomed its first commercial vessels in September 2026. The 51 billion dirham ($5.1 billion) port and industrial complex is expected to strengthen the Oriental region’s position as a logistics hub in the Mediterranean.

World’s largest container ships arrive

On September 15, 2026, the MSC Cedar II became the first commercial container ship to dock at the East Terminal, operated by a joint venture between Moroccan port operator Marsa Maroc and TiL, a subsidiary of MSC.

A few days later, the terminal received the MSC Marie Leslie, followed by the MSC Samar, a vessel with a capacity of nearly 24,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

The West Terminal, which is being developed by a joint venture between Marsa Maroc and CMA CGM, is also part of the project.

With a quay depth of 18 metres, Nador West Med is designed to accommodate some of the world’s largest container ships.

A new economic driver for the Oriental region

The overall project represents an investment of 51 billion Moroccan dirhams, including 20 billion dirhams in confirmed private investment.

The port’s initial handling capacity is expected to reach five million containers annually, with the potential to add a further 12 million TEUs as the project expands.

A 700-hectare industrial and business zone is also planned as part of the first development phase, supporting the creation of port-related activities and attracting investment to the region.

Construction has been undertaken by a consortium comprising Morocco’s SGTM, Luxembourg-based JDN and Turkey’s STFA.

Nador West Med is intended to complement Tanger Med, Morocco’s established major port complex, and expand the country’s role in maritime trade between Africa, Europe and global markets.

The project forms part of Morocco’s wider strategy to develop port infrastructure, attract industrial investment and strengthen its position in international supply chains.