Tanger-Med Port Expansion Challenges Algeciras’ Dominance in Mediterranean Shipping

A gladiator fight opposes the Port of Tanger-Med to that of Algeciras. Thanks to its extension, inaugurated just a few days ago, this port complex represents the realization of container traffic on a Mediterranean scale, notes L’Economiste.

Seen as a threat at first, given Algeciras’ supremacy over the Strait, several traditional media from the Spanish neighbor made the trip to closely follow the inauguration. But over time, it has been noted that economies of scale would play their part and benefit the lucrative market of transshipment and global maritime trade for both ports.

At the height of its 100 million tons of total flow, the Port of Algeciras is undergoing serious social tensions that shook it in 2017. However, the announced Brexit constitutes a beneficial source for its development.

With this extension, the Port of Tanger, whose main activity is focused on import-export, brings its container capacity to 9 million, an unmatched level in the region. Thus, its dominance over the Strait and the entire Mediterranean is undeniable, argues L’Economiste.

Even better, Tanger-Med is the first to have state-of-the-art equipment, including the first automated terminal and remote-controlled cranes. With 3,000,000 people per year and a vehicle terminal through which most of Morocco’s automotive production transits, Tanger is the leading passenger port in Morocco.