The Moroccan National Ports Agency (ANP) has canceled the tender related to Casablanca Port. This agency had initiated a tender process in April of last year to attract a private operator for the modernization and management of this port for a period of 30 years.
Tender History and Delays
The initial results of this tender were supposed to be announced in July 2025, but were delayed, and ANP announced that the winner of the tender would be introduced in August 2026. However, this date was also postponed to December 2026. After an 18-month delay, ANP decided to cancel the tender and announced that a new strategy for the port had been adopted.
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Reasons for Cancellation and New Strategy
Local media reports indicate that the ANP board has taken national governance concerns into account. Other factors mentioned include a renewed focus on national control of vital maritime assets and alignment with the vision of the Moroccan royal family. In his 2023 speech, King Mohammed VI emphasized the development of a strong and competitive commercial maritime fleet.
This year, a Moroccan government think tank known as the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) introduced shipbuilding as a sector with high growth potential for the Moroccan economy. Casablanca Port was recognized as one of the designated areas for shipbuilding. The anticipated cost for this port was over $300 million, and if fully constructed, it would become the largest port in Africa.
The National Ports Agency also attempted to auction this port for the first time in 2019 but failed to attract any bids. At that time, ANP also tried to negotiate with the French maritime group (Naval Group) for port management, which did not lead to an agreement. The tender that was relaunched in April of last year is now facing cancellation.
Sources within ANP who spoke to local media emphasized that the cancellation of the tender is not related to the candidates or their proposals. Notably, this round of tender attracted the attention of global shipbuilding giants. One of the applicant consortiums included the Moroccan company Somatec, South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Turkey's Kızıl Star Shipyard.
Another consortium includes the Radi Holding of Morocco, Mediterranean Marina of Spain, and Ningbo Sinle Shipbuilding Group of China. Additionally, the Italian operator San Giorgio del Porto also submitted an independent proposal.
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