Port operator Marsa Maroc expands to Africa

Morocco’s top port operator, Marsa Maroc, said it will operate terminal 1 and 5 in Cotonou’s port after winning an international tender issued by the company in charge of cargo handling, Société Béninoise des Manutentions Portuaires (SOBEMAP).

Marsa Maroc saw its shares in the Casablanca stock exchange surge following the announcement which marks the first expansion by the port operator outside Morocco.

The operator said it will sign an agreement with SOBEMAP to start operations as soon as possible within the set deadlines.

The Port of Cotonou handles an average of 80 to 90 commercial vessels per month and accounts for 90% of the country’s international trade.

Marsa Maroc operates nine Moroccan ports including Tanger Med 1 terminal.

It has signed in June a 25-year agreement to operate a 3.4 million TEU terminal at the Nador West Med Port.