Morocco is preparing to inaugurate the $5.6 billion Nador West Med deepwater port in the fourth quarter of 2026, marking a significant expansion of the country’s maritime infrastructure. The project, overseen by King Mohammed VI, is expected to enhance container traffic capacity and serve as a strategic gateway for trade and energy flows across the Mediterranean, Marketscreener reported.
The port will initially handle around 5 million containers annually, with capacity planned to expand to 12 million over time. Core infrastructure completed to date includes over 5.4 kilometres of breakwaters, four kilometres of quay walls, and four power stations to support port operations, Business Insider Africa noted.
A major feature of the facility is its energy hub, which includes Morocco’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal with an annual capacity of approximately 5 billion cubic metres, along with a dedicated hydrocarbons terminal. Authorities highlighted that this infrastructure will strengthen national energy supply and support industrial growth, according to Hespress.
In addition to container and energy operations, the Nador West Med port is being developed as a broader industrial and logistics hub, with 700 hectares allocated for private investment and related activity. Analysts say the facility will bolster Morocco’s position in global trade and complement its existing Tanger Med port, one of Africa’s busiest maritime gateways, Marketscreener reported.
