Tanger Med port achieves record 18.8% growth in container traffic for 2024

Thursday 23 January 2025 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Tanger Med port achieves record 18.8% growth in container traffic for 2024

Tanger Med Port Authority has announced an impressive 18.8% increase in container traffic for 2024, solidifying its position as a leading hub in global maritime trade. The port processed over 10.24 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, marking a significant leap from its 2023 performance. This growth is attributed to the unwavering trust and commitment of port operators and shipping lines, as well as the high productivity levels demonstrated by its teams.

A hub of industrial and agro-food activity

The port’s success extends beyond container traffic. In 2024, Tanger Med handled 516,842 TIR trucks, reflecting an 8.1% increase from the previous year. Industrial products were the primary driver of this growth, while agro-food products also contributed with a 7.2% rise in volume.

Passenger traffic also saw a notable uptick, with 3,047,387 transits recorded—a 13% increase compared to 2023. The annual Marhaba campaign, which facilitates the transit of Moroccans residing abroad during the summer months, played a pivotal role in this achievement.

Automotive industry boosts vehicle traffic

The port’s two vehicle terminals processed a total of 600,872 vehicles in 2024, reflecting a 4% year-on-year increase. Exports from Renault factories in Melloussa and SOMACA in Casablanca accounted for 368,843 vehicles, while the Stellantis factory in Kenitra contributed 170,519 units. Additionally, 34,100 transshipment vehicles and 27,410 imported vehicles were handled, underscoring the robust growth of Morocco’s automotive sector.

Stable bulk traffic and rising hydrocarbon volumes

While bulk solid traffic remained stable, hydrocarbon volumes reached 7,640,524 tons. Overall, Tanger Med handled 142 million tons of goods in 2024, a 16.2% increase from the previous year.

A growing concern for Spanish ports

The port’s rapid expansion has not gone unnoticed by its Spanish counterparts. Spanish media and government reports have expressed concerns over Tanger Med’s potential to outpace major Spanish ports. In 2021, Spanish newspaper El Pais highlighted the port’s competitive edge, noting its significant impact on Spain’s maritime trade since its inauguration in 2007. A 2022 Spanish government report further emphasized these concerns, warning that the port of Algeciras could lose up to 60% of its container shipments to Tanger Med.

As Tanger Med continues to break records and expand its capabilities, it remains a symbol of Morocco’s growing influence in global trade and logistics. Its success story is a testament to the collaborative efforts of its operators, shipping lines, and the broader industrial ecosystem that supports its operations.