Morocco is getting a new dry port: Moroccan government agencies have signed an MoU to construct the Agadir Atlantic Hub dry port, according to a Transport Ministry statement. The port will be constructed at the Souss-Massa Export Freezone in Drarga commune at Agadir and will have an estimated cost of MAD 1.4 bn (c. USD 140 mn), Morocco World News reported.

More details: The hub — which will cover 100 hectares — is set to feature a global customs-bonded logistics zone, refrigerated and dry storage facilities, a container storage park for both empty and full containers, and a cabotage line connecting maritime ports to the dry port.

The rationale: The project aims to bolster the logistics infrastructure in Morocco’s Souss-Massa region and ease congestion at Morocco’s maritime ports, Morocco World News reported, citing the president of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises Driss Boutti.

About the Souss-Massa Freezone: Updated plans to develop the zone — including the Agadir Atlantic Hub project— were approved by the government last month, the state-owned agency Maroc reported. The zone reportedly aims to attract investments in various manufacturing sectors, including shipbuilding, auto-making, industrial machinery, textiles, construction materials, food products, chemicals, and plastics, Msa AlKhir reported back in 2023, citing a government decree.

Lots of action at Morocco’s ports: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) extended a EUR 65 mn loan in December to Moroccan port operator Marsa Maroc for development works at Casablanca and Jorf Lasfar ports. French logistics provider CMA CGM inked a 25-year agreement with Marsa Maroc to form a joint venture to equip and operate half of Nador West Med container terminal in November.

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