King Mohammed VI visited Casablanca on Thursday to officially launch a series of major infrastructure projects designed to transform the city’s historic port into a leading economic and tourism powerhouse, positioning it as a strategic hub for Africa and beyond.
The wide-ranging redevelopment effort carries a total investment of 5 billion dirhams and includes the construction of a modern fishing port, a new shipyard, a state-of-the-art cruise terminal, and a consolidated administrative complex that brings together all port-related services under one roof.
Spearheaded by the National Ports Agency, these projects reflect the King’s vision of modernizing Casablanca’s port in line with international standards, while also promoting sustainable development and contributing to the city’s broader urban renewal. The transformation is part of a larger national strategy to revamp Morocco’s port infrastructure and better integrate it into the global economy.
A major highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the new fishing port, which alone accounts for 1.2 billion dirhams of the total budget. Built to enhance working conditions for fishing professionals and improve the supply chain for seafood products, the facility is equipped to handle more than 260 artisanal boats and around 100 coastal vessels. Among its key features are a modern fish market, an ice production facility, designated workspaces for fisheries professionals, and a seafarers’ center aimed at improving life for workers in the industry.
Next on the tour was the newly constructed shipyard, representing the single largest investment of the plan at 2.5 billion dirhams. Designed to boost Morocco’s shipbuilding and repair capabilities, the site includes a 240-meter dry dock, a 150-meter lifting platform, and a specialized basin for hauling ships out of the water. It also features 660 meters of outfitting docks and an expansive 21-hectare operational area, signaling a significant leap in industrial maritime infrastructure.
The King also inaugurated the city’s new cruise terminal, a 720 million dirham investment aimed at capturing the growing global market for cruise tourism. With the capacity to welcome up to 450,000 passengers annually, the facility includes a maritime station, a 650-meter dock for ship arrivals, three boarding bridges, and parking for 44 buses. The terminal is expected to significantly raise Casablanca’s appeal as a cruise destination and diversify its tourism offerings.
The final stop on the King’s tour was the new port administrative complex, built at a cost of 500 million dirhams. This facility centralizes previously scattered port, customs, logistics, and administrative services, streamlining operations and improving user experience. It’s also a key part of integrating the port more effectively into the urban fabric of the city, making it both more efficient and more accessible.
These efforts in Casablanca are part of a broader transformation of Morocco’s maritime landscape, led by King Mohammed VI. Previous initiatives like the Tanger Med port and upcoming developments such as Nador West-Med and Dakhla Atlantic are redefining the country’s role in global shipping and trade.
With this sweeping modernization, Casablanca is cementing its status as a vital economic, logistical, and tourism center—ready to meet the demands of a rapidly growing urban population and to anchor Morocco’s strategic ambitions across the continent.
