The EBRD is investing in the ports’ sector with a funding of up to MAD 690 million (€65 million equivalent) to Societé D’Exploitation des Ports, operating under the brand name “Marsa Maroc”.
The EBRD funds will finance capacity expansion of multipurpose terminals operated by Marsa Maroc at the ports of Casablanca and Jorf Lasfar, through infrastructure works to extend their handling capacity as well as the acquisition of hybrid cranes and electric rail cranes.
This operation will enable the expansion and operational optimization of these terminals and will enhance the competitiveness of the Moroccan economy.
This project will contribute to the sustainability of port infrastructures through the acquisition and operation of more efficient electric rail cranes as well as the capacity expansion, which is expected to result in increased energy efficiency based on reduced Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) emissions per cargo handled.
The sustainable dimension of this project is also supported by the civil works on the Jorf Lasfar multipurpose terminal, which will integrate climate resilience measures into the quay design, to reduce sensitivity to sea-level rise.
This funding will benefit from a first loss risk cover provided by the European Union through its European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD+) under the Municipal Infrastructure and Industrial Resilience (MIIR) guarantee program, EFSD+ MIIR Guarantee Program.
The EBRD will also support the digital transformation of Marsa Maroc, through technical cooperation activities funded by the European Union, including the development and introduction of cutting-edge digital solutions at the Casablanca multipurpose terminal as well as a digital gender-responsive upskilling training program for employees.
The funding was signed between Mrs Odile RENAUD BASSO, President of the EBRD and Mr Tarik EL AROUSSI, CEO of Marsa Maroc who declared that “this funding will enable Marsa Maroc to improve the attractiveness of its terminals, providing its customers with sustainable port facilities, and offering more capacity to serve and enhance the competitiveness of Moroccan trade”.
The EBRD, President, Mrs RENAUD BASSO, said that “the EBRD is proud to support Marsa Maroc in this transformative journey, contributing not only to the modernization of critical infrastructure but also to the promotion of inclusive and sustainable growth in Morocco’s ports’ sector. With over 95 percent of the country’s trade conducted through seaports, the ports’ sector is a cornerstone of Morocco’s economic development.”
Ms. Patricia LLOMBART, EU Ambassador to Morocco, stated « With this joint operation, the EU shows its continuous commitment to accompany the Kingdom of Morocco in boosting sustainable infrastructure as well as digital transition. Both the EU and Morocco are committed to greening industrial value chains and maritime corridors.
The Morocco-EU Green Partnership allows us to move further in our joint commitment to address climate change, including with a decarbonised economy. Moroccan ports are key to decarbonise maritime transport and international trade.”
