Morocco Initiates Tender for Construction of Africa’s Largest Shipyard

By Admin

14 Apr, 2025

A Bold Maritime Vision in Casablanca

Morocco has taken a significant leap in maritime infrastructure with the announcement of an international tender to construct Africa’s largest shipyard. This $300 million mega project, initiated by Morocco’s National Ports Agency (MNP), aims to establish a shipbuilding and maintenance hub in Casablanca, reinforcing the country’s growing industrial and maritime capabilities. According to ANP Communications Director Abdellatif Lhouaoui, the state-run agency is inviting experienced operators to develop equipment and manage the 52-acre facility.

A 30-Year Concession for Global Leaders

The international tender offers a 30-year concession, and the Moroccan government is seeking bids from global players with at least 10 years of experience in operating comparable shipyards. The concession allows companies to bid independently or form consortia led by a qualified operator. Industry sources indicate that France’s Naval Group and South Korea’s Hyundai, the operator of the world’s largest shipyard in Ulsan, are front-runners in the race. In contrast, Spain’s state-owned Navantia appears to be on the back foot, especially as the Casablanca facility is expected to rival Spanish operations, as per Spanish publication El Confidencial.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure

The facility’s ambitious layout is designed to cater to commercial, military, and fishing vessels, enabling Morocco to domestically maintain its military fleet, thereby reducing reliance on foreign currencies and boosting self-sufficiency. According to the tender document dated April 7, the shipyard will include:

• A 244-meter by 40-meter dry dock
  
  

• A 150-meter by 28-meter lifting platform with a 9,000-tonne capacity
  
  

• A 62-meter by 13-meter basin equipped with a 450-ton gantry crane
  
  

• 820 linear meters of outfitting quays
  
  

• 21 hectares of open operational terrain
  
  

This setup positions the facility as a high-capacity, strategically located maritime hub that aligns with Morocco’s economic vision.

Strategic Timing and Economic Implications

The announcement comes at a crucial time. Morocco is preparing to loosen its currency peg by 2026, and bringing military ship maintenance in-house can reduce foreign currency outflows. Additionally, this project builds on Morocco’s successful industrial strategies. For example, Tanger-Med port posted an impressive 18.8% growth in 2024, processing over 10.24 million containers, outperforming Spain’s Algeciras port.

Learning from Automotive Success

The shipyard aims to replicate the triumph of Morocco’s booming automotive sector, which has become a cornerstone of the nation’s exports. Companies like Renault and Stellantis exported over 500,000 vehicles to the EU in 2023, totaling a value of €15.1 billion. This success helped the automotive industry account for 27% of exports and 16% of GDP, surpassing traditional revenue sources like remittances and tourism.

Geopolitical Context and Global Shifts

The timing also reflects a strategic shift in global geopolitics. Following the 2022 sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine conflict, Russia redirected its fishing fleet maintenance from Spanish Canary Island ports to Moroccan organizations. The new Casablanca facility could further position Morocco as a preferred maritime partner, especially for countries seeking neutral, non-aligned shipyard solutions.

Conclusion: A Gateway to Maritime Leadership

Morocco’s plan to construct Africa’s largest shipyard is more than just an infrastructure project—it’s a clear signal of the country’s ambition to emerge as a global maritime and industrial power. With strategic location advantages, robust planning, and a proven track record in industrialization, Morocco is well on its way to reshaping the African and global maritime landscape.