Funding for port expansion signed

Multi-purpose terminals to be expanded

MOROCCO: Morocco's port management company Marsa Maroc has signed a €65 million financing agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to fund projects aimed at expanding capacity and optimising operations at its multipurpose terminals in the ports of Casablanca and Jorf Lasfar.

The EBRD funds will finance capacity expansion of multipurpose terminals operated by Marsa Maroc at the ports of Casablanca and Jorf Lasfar, through infrastructure works to extend their handling capacity as well as the acquisition of hybrid cranes and electric rail cranes. The expansion and operational optimisation of these terminals and is aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the Moroccan economy.

This project will contribute to the sustainability of port infrastructures through the acquisition and operation of more efficient electric rail cranes as well as the capacity expansion, which is expected to result in increased energy efficiency based on reduced Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions per cargo handled. Civil works on the Jorf Lasfar multipurpose terminal will integrate climate resilience measures into the quay design, to reduce sensitivity to sea-level rise.

The EBRD will also support the digital transformation of Marsa Maroc, through technical cooperation activities funded by the European Union, including the development and introduction of cutting-edge digital solutions at the Casablanca multipurpose terminal as well as a digital gender-responsive upskilling training program for employees. The funding was signed between Odile Renaud Basso, President of the EBRD and Tarik El Aroussi, CEO of Marsa Maroc who declared that “this funding will enable Marsa Maroc to improve the attractiveness of its terminals, providing its customers with sustainable port facilities, and offering more capacity to serve and enhance the competitiveness of Moroccan trade”.

The EBRD President, Mrs RENAUD BASSO, said that “The EBRD is proud to support Marsa Maroc in this transformative journey, contributing not only to the modernization of critical infrastructure but also to the promotion of inclusive and sustainable growth in Morocco’s ports’ sector. With over 95 percent of the country’s trade conducted through seaports, the ports’ sector is a cornerstone of Morocco’s economic development,” said Basso.

Patricia Llombart, EU Ambassador to Morocco, stated "With this joint operation, the EU shows its continuous commitment to accompany the Kingdom of Morocco in boosting sustainable infrastructure as well as digital transition. Both the EU and Morocco are committed to greening industrial value chains and maritime corridors. The Morocco-EU Green Partnership allows us to move further in our joint commitment to address climate change, including with a decarbonised economy. Moroccan ports are key to decarbonise maritime transport and international trade.”

Marsa Maroc is listed on the Casablanca stock exchange and operates 25 terminals and quays in 11 ports in Morocco and Benin. The Group, including SODEP SA and its subsidiaries, is active in different segments (container, solid bulk, general cargo, liquid bulk, Ro-Ro and passengers), and offers services to goods as well as maritime services About the EBRD The EBRD has invested almost €5 billion through 106 projects in Morocco to date. The Bank’s focus is supporting sustainable energy, direct and indirect financing of private enterprises and promoting infrastructure reform and facilitating non-sovereign financing.