CMA CGM Partners with Marsa Maroc for Nador West Med Terminal

Strengthening Operations in Morocco

The joint venture, in which CMA CGM will hold 49% and Marsa Maroc 51%, allows the two companies to operate 50% of the Nador West Med container terminal. This includes 750 meters of quay capable of accommodating the world’s largest container ships with a maximum draught of 18 meters. This strategic partnership reflects CMA CGM’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its operations in Morocco, where it has established a presence in the Eurogate Tangiers and Casablanca container terminals through SOMAPORT.

Significant Investments for Optimal Productivity

To optimize productivity and service quality, the CMA CGM Group and Marsa Maroc plan to invest a substantial $280 million in this venture. The objective is to achieve an impressive annual terminal output of 1.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The terminal will feature enhanced capabilities, including the addition of eight transshipment cranes, an increase from six, and 24 electric rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes, up from 15. This investment will not only improve operational efficiency but also ensure that the terminal is well-equipped to handle growing shipping demands.

Strategic Location and Future Potential

Strategically located in the Gibraltar zone on the Oued Kert estuary, Nador West Med port offers significant advantages that complement CMA CGM’s existing terminals in the Western Mediterranean. The port is also poised to become a maritime bunkering hub for emerging synthetic energies, leveraging Morocco’s green hydrogen production capabilities. This positions CMA CGM to support its fleet of dual-fuel gas and methanol vessels, reflecting a commitment to sustainable shipping practices.

Commitment to Morocco’s Development

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM, emphasized the strategic importance of Morocco as a growing logistics and port hub. He stated that this partnership with Marsa Maroc marks a crucial step for the CMA CGM Group, reinforcing its commitment to Morocco’s development, particularly in logistics and alternative energy sectors.

A Long-standing Presence in the Moroccan Market

Since its establishment in Morocco in 1983, the CMA CGM Group has played a vital role in connecting the country to global markets. The company employs 1,300 staff in Morocco and operates 31 maritime services out of major Moroccan ports, serving a total of 81 ports directly from the country. CMA CGM’s comprehensive end-to-end supply chain services are offered through its subsidiary, CEVA Logistics. Additionally, through Terminal Link, CMA CGM owns 100% of a terminal in Casablanca and holds a 40% stake in the Eurogate Tangiers terminal. The group also operates a ferry service between Marseille and Tanger-Med through its subsidiary, La Méridionale.

This joint venture not only enhances CMA CGM’s operational capacity but also reflects the group’s dedication to sustainable development and innovation in the maritime industry.