Originally scheduled for 2027, the Nador West Med port complex began commercial operations as early as September 2026. Representing an investment of 51 billion dirhams, this new hub aims to transform the Oriental region into a major logistics centre in the Mediterranean.
Morocco is consolidating its position as an international maritime power with the early entry into service of its brand-new port giant. The port of Nador West Med, which was due to be inaugurated in 2027, has reached a historic milestone by welcoming its first commercial vessels as early as September 2026.
Thanks to this major project, the Kingdom is strengthening its port infrastructure alongside Tangier Med and injecting new economic momentum into the entire Oriental region.
The world’s largest container ships are already at berth
Commercial operations have commenced at the East Terminal, operated by the joint venture formed by the national operator Marsa Maroc and TiL (a subsidiary of the shipping giant MSC):
15 September 2026 : The arrival of the MSC Cedar II marked the official launch of the port’s operations.
Subsequent calls : The terminal quickly followed this up with a series of large-scale operations, welcoming the MSC Marie Leslie, followed by the MSC Samar, a colossus of the seas with a capacity of nearly 24,000 TEU.
Meanwhile, the West Terminal, operated by the Marsa Maroc and CMA CGM partnership, continues to expand. With a draught of 18 metres, Nador West Med is designed to accommodate, without any constraints, the largest ships currently in service worldwide.
A strategic catalyst worth 51 billion dirhams for the Oriental region
The result of a project led by a renowned consortium (Morocco’s SGTM, Luxembourg’s JDN and Turkey’s STFA), Nador West Med represents a total investment of 51 billion dirhams, of which 20 billion has been provided by the private sector.
From the outset, the port will have a capacity of 5 million containers per year, with prospects for expansion to as many as 12 million containers in the long term. To maximise its economic impact, the complex is accompanied by an initial industrial and logistics zone covering 700 hectares.
Complementing Tanger Med, this new hub confirms Morocco’s ambition to establish itself as the key logistics hub between Africa, Europe and the major global trade routes.
