The Nador West Med complex, currently under construction on the Mediterranean coast, is expected to begin operations in the second half of 2026. The port will initially provide 800 hectares of industrial land, with long-term expansion planned to reach 5,000 hectares, exceeding the current industrial zones at Tanger Med.
Nador West Med will also feature Morocco's first liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal using a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU). A dedicated pipeline will supply natural gas to industrial centres in the northwest, supporting the country's transition toward greater use of gas and renewable energy sources.
On the Atlantic coast, construction is underway on a new $1 billion port at Dakhla, scheduled for completion in 2028. The facility will include 1,600 hectares of industrial space and 5,200 hectares of farmland irrigated by desalinated seawater.
"The port will be ready in 2028 and will be Morocco's deepest at 23 meters," Baraka said. The minister explained that this depth will enable the port to serve large vessels and support processing industries handling raw materials from neighbouring Sahel countries.
Both Nador West Med and Dakhla will include specialised quays for future green hydrogen exports once domestic production commences, Baraka confirmed.
The new ports will complement Morocco's existing deepwater facilities at Tanger Med — Africa's largest container port — and the Jorf Lasfar energy and bulk cargo terminal. Industrial zones linked to Tanger Med currently host around 1,400 companies and employ 130,000 workers in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, textiles, agri-food and renewable energy.
Additionally, authorities are conducting feasibility studies for another Atlantic port at Tan-Tan in partnership with green hydrogen developers.
"We are conducting studies to decide the appropriate size of the port," Baraka said.
These infrastructure projects form part of Morocco's broader strategy to expand maritime capacity, attract foreign investment, and establish the country as a logistics and energy gateway connecting Africa, Europe and the Americas.
