Morocco Seeks National Shipping Flag Amid Maritime Transport Challenges

While the Marhaba operation is proceeding normally, delays have been observed in the launch of the maritime link between Tanger Med and the Portuguese port of Portimao. This delay reveals and accentuates the importance of a national flag that Morocco has been deprived of for more than 10 years. For Abdelaziz Mantrach, president of the Professional Association of Maritime Shipping Agents and Brokers of Morocco (APRAM), "it is vital that the transit of our Moroccans residing abroad and the transport of exports be ensured by a national flag." As proof, reports l’Opinion, it is thanks to the 4.5 billion DH subsidy released by the State that the kingdom was able to rent two Estonian ships to ensure the Sète-Tanger Med link, thus saving the 2021 edition of the Marhaba Operation.

Moreover, the early disappearance of the Moroccan flag is mainly due to the liberalization of the maritime sector, the poor management of companies and their lack of competitiveness, not to mention the aftermath of the business model transformation that occurred in the late 1980s in the maritime sector. From there, the kingdom turned to the port sector and invested sufficiently in infrastructure. With 3,500 km of coastline, Morocco would have done better by equipping itself with a national flag.

However, to support competition, Morocco must ensure protection for the flag. This implies the renunciation of certain international agreements. Since "the establishment of a fleet under these conditions, and without taking into account the reality of the sector, is suicide." But "nevertheless, Morocco must have a national flag, not to compete with the mega-carriers, but to have a strategic fleet," said the official. Thus, it is essential to implement a good governance strategy and prioritize the competitiveness of the flag. Although this choice is not easy, the country is obliged to go all the way for its own development.