EBRD AND THE EU SUPPORT MARSA MAROC IN IMPROVING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF MOROCCO’S PORTS

The EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) is investing in the Moroccan port sector with a financing package worth 690 million MAD (equivalent to €65 million) for Marsa Maroc.

The EBRD funds will finance the expansion of the capacity of multi-purpose terminals operated by Marsa Maroc in the ports of Casablanca and Jorf Lasfar, through infrastructure works to increase their handling capacity, as well as the acquisition of hybrid cranes and electric rail cranes. This operation will enable the expansion and operational optimization of these terminals as well as strengthen the competitiveness of the Moroccan economy.

This project improves the sustainability of these port infrastructures through the acquisition and operation of more efficient electric rail cranes, as well as through increased handling capacity, which should result in greater energy efficiency through reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per cargo handled. The sustainable dimension of this project is also underpinned by the civil engineering works at the Jorf Lasfar multi-purpose terminal, which will incorporate climate resilience measures into the design of the quays to reduce sensitivity to rising sea levels.

EBRD will also support Marsa Maroc’s digital transformation through technical cooperation activities financed by the European Union, including the development and introduction of state-of-theart digital solutions at the Casablanca multipurpose terminal, as well as a “gender-responsive” digital training program for Marsa Maroc Group employees.

The financing agreement was signed by Mrs. Odile RENAUD BASSO, President of EBRD, and Mr. Tarik EL AROUSSI, Managing Director of Marsa Maroc, who emphasized that “this financing will enable Marsa Maroc to improve the appeal of its terminals, provide its customers with sustainable port facilities and offer more capacity to better serve and strengthen the competitiveness of Moroccan trade”. Ms. RENAUD BASSO declared: “EBRD is proud to support Marsa Maroc in this transformative journey, contributing not only to the modernization of important infrastructure for the country, but also the promotion of inclusive and sustainable growth in the Moroccan port sector. With over 95% of the country’s trade carried out through its ports, the port sector is a cornerstone of Morocco’s economic development.” Ms. Patricia LLMOBART, EU Ambassador to Morocco, said: “With this joint operation, the EU is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the Kingdom of Morocco in promoting sustainable infrastructure as well as its digital transition. The EU and Morocco are committed to eco-friendly industrial value chains and maritime corridors. The Morocco-EU Green Partnership will allow us to take our shared commitment to combating climate change a step further, in particular with a low-carbon economy. Moroccan ports are essential for decarbonizing maritime transport and international trade.”