Along Morocco’s Atlantic highway, one rest stop is breaking the mold. The Shell Al Jazira station in El Mansouria has become the first facility of its kind in Africa to earn the “Excellent” rating under the High Environmental Quality (HQE) certification. This isn’t just a fuel stop—it’s a bold statement by Vivo Energy Morocco about the future of travel infrastructure.
Spanning over 1,000 square meters, the site reimagines the roadside experience. Designed with travelers in mind, it features relaxation areas, dining spaces, a children’s play zone, and the first-ever Shell Recharge fast electric vehicle charging station in Africa under this brand. Natural light floods the building, which has been carefully integrated into the surrounding landscape, blending modern architecture with environmental mindfulness.
Sustainability is at the heart of the station’s design. Bifacial solar panels help power the facility, while a dedicated treatment system recycles up to 80% of wastewater for non-domestic use. In a move to reduce its environmental footprint, nearly 440 tons of concrete from the previous structure were repurposed during construction. Waste sorting and management were also built into the project from the start.
The station doesn’t just look different—it functions on an entirely new level. With 250 seats, a continuous food service, a full-service auto care center, an automated car wash, and a 24/7 convenience store, it caters to a wide range of users, from rushed commuters to families on long road trips. The goal is clear: make the stop itself a valuable part of the journey.
For Vivo Energy Morocco, this isn’t a one-off project—it’s a strategic vision. The company, which runs over 430 Shell stations across the country, sees Al Jazira as the prototype for a new generation of service areas. It’s both a commercial evolution and a clear signal: as mobility trends shift and travelers grow more discerning, rest stops must evolve too, transforming into hubs of comfort, sustainability, and innovation.
