Moroccan ports record 11.2% traffic surge driven by transshipment growth

Morocco’s maritime ports handled nearly 197 million tons of cargo through September 2025, marking a substantial 11.2% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Equipment and Water.

The total trade volume processed at Moroccan ports reached 196.8 million tons by the end of September 2025, up from 177 million tons during the corresponding period in 2024. This robust performance was primarily fueled by growth in transshipment activities and domestic commerce, the ministry explained.

Domestic traffic accounted for 98.9 million tons, representing a 7.1% increase, while transshipment operations reached 97.9 million tons—a remarkable 15.7% year-on-year surge. Transshipment now represents 49.7% of total port activity, making it the dominant component of Morocco’s maritime operations.

Imports comprised 30.1% of total traffic at 59.3 million tons, up 4.8%, while exports accounted for 15.9% with 31.3 million tons, climbing 7.6%. Cabotage operations represented 3.6% of traffic with 7 million tons, surging by 30%, and hydrocarbon bunkering for vessels transiting the Strait of Gibraltar made up 0.7% with 1.35 million tons, down slightly by 0.8%.

Among strategic commodities, container traffic rose to 9.4 million TEUs, up 9.8%, while imported hydrocarbons increased 5.6% to 10.3 million tons. Phosphates and related products grew 2.8% to 25.8 million tons, and coal traffic jumped 16% to 8.3 million tons. International road transport climbed 7.2% to 426,047 units.

However, grain imports declined 8.2% to 7.7 million tons, and new vehicle traffic dropped 5.9% to 466,709 units. Passenger traffic reached 4.7 million, up 3.7%, while cruise tourism rebounded dramatically with 213,101 cruisers, a 68.2% increase. Coastal fishing landings fell 13% to 814,743 tons.