Morocco Launches Tender for Major Shipyard Management
Morocco has initiated an international tender for the management of its newly completed Casablanca shipyard, the largest in Africa, under a 30-year concession. This strategic move aims to establish the country as a regional maritime hub for ship maintenance, repair, and potential construction. With a significant investment of $300 million, the facility represents a major enhancement in Morocco’s port infrastructure.
Strategic Goals and Infrastructure Advancements
The Casablanca shipyard, managed by the National Ports Agency (ANP), invites experienced operators to submit proposals for its development and operation. Abdellatif Lhouaoui, ANP’s head of communications, emphasized the goal of attracting demand from overcrowded shipyards in southern Europe while also catering to African vessels heading to Europe. This initiative is expected to bolster Morocco’s position in the maritime industry significantly.
The shipyard features advanced capabilities, including a dry dock measuring 244 meters in length and 40 meters in width, along with a vertical lift system designed to accommodate ships weighing up to 9,000 tons. This new infrastructure far exceeds the capabilities of Morocco’s existing shipyards in Casablanca and Agadir, which have primarily served local fishing fleets. Additionally, the facility will enable Morocco to maintain its military fleet domestically, reducing reliance on foreign maintenance services and conserving foreign currency.
Opportunities for Growth and Employment
The tender also provides bidders with the option to include a shipbuilding component, although this is not mandatory. Lhouaoui noted that this could be a niche activity, and the agency aims to replicate the success seen in Morocco’s automotive industry. By pursuing this initiative, Morocco seeks to enhance its maritime sovereignty, promote regional industrial development, and create skilled job opportunities in a sector with high growth potential.
As Morocco embarks on this ambitious project, the country is poised to transform its maritime landscape, attracting international interest and investment while fostering local industry and employment.
