Tanger Med and Casablanca Ports Shine in New Maritime Ranking
In a recent report released by the Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation, known as Dhaman, Morocco's prominent ports, Tanger Med and Casablanca, have been recognized for their exceptional connectivity within the global maritime network. This ranking evaluates 71 Arab ports against over 930 ports worldwide based on their integration into global shipping routes. The findings emphasize the strategic importance of these Moroccan ports in enhancing trade and maritime activities across the region.
The report highlights that both the Port of Tanger Med and the Port of Casablanca are among the most connected ports in the Arab world, showcasing their significant roles in the Global Liner Shipping Connectivity Index. This index serves as a benchmark for assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of port services and their ability to facilitate international trade. Other notable regional ports, such as Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port, and Port Said, also feature prominently in the report, demonstrating the competitive landscape of maritime transport in the Arab region.
Over the past 23 years, the maritime sector in the Arab world has seen substantial investments, totaling nearly $4 billion through 146 foreign investment projects. The report indicates steady growth in the Arab commercial fleet, with the number of vessels increasing by approximately 4% in 2025, reaching close to 2,900 ships. This growth not only reflects the rising demand for maritime services but also indicates a robust response from the region's ports to global shipping needs.
Further insights from the report reveal that the total carrying capacity of the Arab fleet grew by 4.6%, culminating in nearly 109 million metric tons of deadweight, which constitutes about 5% of the global maritime shipping capacity. Investment collaborations among Arab nations are also highlighted, with Morocco, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Egypt participating in 11 joint initiatives that exceeded $218 million in investments. This collaborative approach is essential for enhancing maritime infrastructure and services throughout the region.
In terms of cargo activity, Arab ports collectively managed over 423 million metric tons of goods in 2023, with Moroccan and Gulf ports accounting for a significant 58% of this total. Notably, Arab ports facilitated around 1.6 billion metric tons of cargo destined for international markets, representing nearly 14% of worldwide maritime trade, with oil shipments making up a substantial 58% of this volume. Container traffic has also seen impressive growth, with a 19% increase in handling volumes reported across major Arab ports in 2023 compared to 2019.
As the maritime transport landscape continues to evolve, the report affirms that Morocco, along with the UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, has maintained strong positions in the global liner shipping connectivity index during the last quarter of 2024. The value of maritime transport services trade among 11 Arab economies surpassed $53 billion in 2024, marking a 12% rise. Exports of maritime transport services from Arab countries rose by 14% to about $9 billion, while imports increased to nearly $45 billion, reflecting a growing demand for maritime services in the region.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
