Morocco’s port traffic surges 10.2% in first quarter of 2025

Morocco’s national ports handled 60.8 million tons of commercial cargo during the first quarter of 2025, representing a 10.2% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Financial Studies and Forecasts Directorate (DEPF).

The growth was primarily driven by transhipment traffic, which surged 12.7% and accounted for 49.9% of total port activity. Export traffic strengthened by 13.7%, while imports grew 2.8%. Coastal shipping demonstrated particularly robust performance with a 31.6% increase.

Passenger traffic through Moroccan ports reached 720,645 travelers by the end of March 2025, up 3.9% year-on-year. The cruise sector experienced exceptional growth, recording a 46.9% increase with 55,668 cruise passengers during the first quarter.

Air transport activity continued its double-digit growth trajectory, with national airports welcoming 16.4% more passengers during the first quarter of 2025, compared to 13.9% growth the previous year. This sustained momentum reflects Morocco’s strengthening position as a regional transportation hub.

The government has implemented comprehensive measures to facilitate the return of Moroccans living abroad during the summer through Operation Marhaba 2025, conducted under the auspices of King Mohammed VI. The initiative will deploy 29 vessels across 12 maritime routes connecting Italian, French, and Spanish ports to Morocco.

Supporting infrastructure includes 24 reception centers, with 18 located within Morocco and six stationed abroad to provide proximity assistance. These facilities aim to streamline the travel experience for returning diaspora members during the peak summer travel season.

The robust growth in both cargo and passenger traffic underscores Morocco’s strategic importance as a gateway between Africa and Europe, with infrastructure investments supporting continued expansion.