EBRD contributes €65 Million for expanding capacity of Ports of Casablanca, Jorf Lasfar

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will contribute €65 million to fund projects aimed at expanding the capacity and optimizing the operations of the multipurpose terminals of the ports of Casablanca and Jorf Lasfar.

The financing agreement was signed by EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso and Managing director of Morocco’s port management company, Marsa Maroc, Tarik El Aroussi.

The funding will finance infrastructure projects aimed at expanding the capacity of the Group’s multipurpose terminals at the ports of Casablanca and Jorf Lasfar. It also provides for the acquisition of electric rail cranes and hybrid cranes for the terminals, Marsa Maroc said in a press release Friday.

These projects will boost the sustainability of these port infrastructures through the acquisition and operation of more efficient electric rail cranes, as well as an increase in handling capacity, which should result in greater energy efficiency through a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per cargo handled.

The sustainable dimension of these projects is also enhanced by the civil engineering works at the Jorf Lasfar multipurpose terminal, which will incorporate climate resilience measures into the design of the quays to reduce sensitivity to sea-level rise.

“This financing will enable Marsa Maroc to improve the attractiveness of its terminals, provide its customers with sustainable port facilities and offer more capacity to better serve and strengthen the competitiveness of Moroccan trade,” Tarik El Aroussi was quoted in the press release as saying.