Logistics and Infrastructure

Morocco's Logistics Revolution

Morocco has transformed its logistics sector through massive infrastructure investments, strategic positioning, and modernization initiatives. The country serves as a critical trade gateway connecting Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, handling growing volumes of containerized cargo, vehicles, bulk commodities, and manufactured goods. Morocco's National Logistics Strategy aims to reduce logistics costs from 20% to 15% of GDP, improve supply chain efficiency, enhance competitiveness, and position Morocco as a regional logistics hub. Key achievements include the development of Tanger Med—Africa's largest port—expansion of rail and highway networks, establishment of logistics zones and distribution centers, and adoption of digital technologies for supply chain optimization.

Tanger Med Port Complex

Tanger Med has emerged as the leading port in Africa and the Mediterranean, achieving a remarkable 8.61 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) throughput in 2024. Located at the Strait of Gibraltar, Tanger Med benefits from strategic positioning on major east-west shipping routes, offering transshipment services for cargo moving between Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The port complex comprises multiple specialized terminals: Tanger Med 1 and 2 - Container terminals operated by global leaders APM Terminals, Eurogate, and Marsa Maroc Tanger Med Port Roulier - Roll-on/roll-off vehicle terminal Tanger Med Passengers - Ferry and cruise terminal Tanger Med Hydrocarbons - Oil and liquid bulk terminal Container terminals handle diverse cargo types with state-of-the-art gantry cranes, automated stacking systems, and modern warehousing facilities.

Tanger Med secured $400 million in new funding from international development institutions in 2024 to expand capacity, upgrade facilities, and enhance operational efficiency. The port continues investing in deeper berths accommodating ultra-large container vessels, expanded yard space for container storage, modern customs and inspection systems, and cold chain infrastructure for perishable goods.

Automotive Logistics

Tanger Med plays a crucial role in Morocco's automotive industry logistics. In 2024, the port exported almost 540,000 finished vehicles to Europe, representing the vast majority of the 601,000 new vehicles processed (+4% over 2023). Nearly 100% of vehicles produced in Tangier are transported by rail to the port for export, demonstrating seamless multimodal integration. Rail container activity at Tanger Med covers 10 hectares with 3 tracks totaling 800 meters length and annual capacity of 400,000 TEUs. The port is directly connected by rail to Renault's Melloussa plant (Africa's largest vehicle assembly facility) and Stellantis's Kenitra facility, with rail terminals equipped with four lanes and each train carrying up to 280 vehicles. This rail-port integration reduces costs, minimizes vehicle damage, reduces road congestion, and provides environmentally friendly transportation.

Rail Transport Development

Morocco operates approximately 2,300 kilometers of rail network managed by ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer). The flagship project is Al Boraq high-speed rail connecting Tangier and Casablanca (launched 2018), Africa's first high-speed line operating at speeds up to 320 km/h, reducing travel time between cities from over 4 hours to just over 2 hours. Al Boraq serves millions of passengers annually and demonstrates Morocco's commitment to modern rail infrastructure. The $9.6 billion investment plan aims to modernize railway infrastructure by 2030, with a long-term vision connecting 43 cities by 2040. Planned projects include extending high-speed rail to Marrakech and Agadir, upgrading conventional rail lines for higher speeds and capacity, electrifying existing diesel routes, expanding freight rail services, and developing urban light rail systems (Casablanca Tramway, Rabat-Salé Tramway).

Freight rail services connect Tanger Med port to Casablanca's dry port Mita, where containers arrive by train, reducing road congestion and emissions. Rail transport of phosphates from OCP mines to Jorf Lasfar and Safi ports uses dedicated freight trains carrying millions of tons annually. Rail development enhances logistics efficiency, safety, environmental sustainability, and economic competitiveness.

Highway & Road Network

Morocco has developed over 1,800 kilometers of toll highways (autoroutes) connecting major cities including Tangier-Rabat-Casablanca-Marrakech-Agadir corridor, Casablanca-Fes-Oujda eastern corridor, and Rabat-Tetouan northern route. Highways feature modern design with service areas, electronic toll collection, emergency services, and ongoing maintenance ensuring safety and reliability. National and regional roads totaling over 60,000 kilometers connect rural areas, industrial zones, ports, and agricultural regions. Road transport dominates freight movement (about 90% of domestic freight), carrying goods via trucking fleets, logistics companies, and individual operators. Morocco continues investing in road rehabilitation, capacity expansion, safety improvements, and rural connectivity.

Airports & Air Cargo

Morocco operates 15 international airports with growing passenger and cargo traffic. Major airports include Mohammed V International Airport Casablanca (largest, handling over 10 million passengers annually), Marrakech Menara Airport (major tourism gateway), Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (northern region hub), Rabat-Salé Airport (capital city), Agadir Al Massira Airport (beach resort destination), and Fes-Saïss, Oujda, Nador airports (regional connectivity). Air cargo facilities handle perishable exports (fruits, vegetables, flowers), high-value electronics and pharmaceuticals, urgent shipments and spare parts, and e-commerce parcels. Royal Air Maroc Cargo and international freight forwarders provide air logistics services. Airport expansion projects increase capacity for passengers and freight, meeting growing demand.

Logistics Zones & Distribution Centers

Morocco has established integrated logistics zones offering warehousing, distribution, value-added services, and multimodal connectivity. Examples include Zenata Logistics Zone near Casablanca (1,300 hectares serving regional distribution), MITA Dry Port Casablanca (rail-connected inland container terminal), logistics parks in Tangier, Kenitra, Marrakech, and other cities. These zones attract third-party logistics providers (3PLs), freight forwarders, distributors, and companies requiring warehousing and distribution capabilities. Services include cross-docking, order fulfillment, packaging and labeling, inventory management, and customs clearance.

Cold Chain & Perishable Goods

Morocco's agricultural export success depends on advanced cold chain infrastructure. Facilities include temperature-controlled warehouses at production areas, refrigerated transport trucks and containers, cold storage at ports (Agadir, Tanger Med, Casablanca), and air cargo cool chain for high-value produce. Companies invest in cold chain to maintain product quality, reduce post-harvest losses, meet international food safety standards, and extend shelf life for export markets. Moroccan fruits and vegetables reach European supermarkets within days of harvest thanks to efficient cold chain logistics.

Digitalization & Technology

Morocco is adopting digital technologies to optimize logistics including port community systems integrating stakeholders (shipping lines, customs, port operators), track and trace platforms providing real-time shipment visibility, warehouse management systems (WMS) optimizing inventory and operations, transportation management systems (TMS) for route planning and fleet optimization, and customs digitization enabling electronic documentation and automated clearance. Emerging technologies like IoT sensors, blockchain for supply chain transparency, AI for demand forecasting, and drones for last-mile delivery are being piloted and deployed. Digitalization reduces costs, improves efficiency, enhances transparency, and strengthens competitiveness.

Customs & Trade Facilitation

Morocco has modernized customs procedures to facilitate trade. Initiatives include single-window systems for import/export documentation, risk-based inspections reducing cargo delays, authorized economic operator (AEO) programs for trusted traders, electronic payment systems, and alignment with international conventions. Morocco's free trade agreements provide preferential customs treatment for qualified goods. Continued customs reforms reduce clearance times, lower costs, and improve trade predictability.

Logistics Employment & Sector Growth

The logistics sector employs hundreds of thousands in port operations, freight forwarding and customs brokerage, trucking and transport services, warehousing and distribution, and supply chain management. Skills development programs train logistics professionals in modern practices. As e-commerce grows, trade expands, and Morocco integrates into global supply chains, logistics sector growth will accelerate, creating jobs and economic opportunities.

Future Vision

Morocco's logistics vision includes positioning as Africa and Mediterranean logistics hub, further developing Tanger Med and other ports, expanding rail freight networks, investing in smart logistics and automation, strengthening cold chain and specialized logistics, and reducing total logistics costs. Major events like the 2030 FIFA World Cup will drive infrastructure investments. Morocco's strategic location, modern infrastructure, skilled workforce, and reform commitment position it for continued logistics excellence, supporting economic growth and global trade integration.