Marsa Maroc expands into European ports with €80 million Spanish deal

Wednesday 17 December 2025 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Marsa Maroc expands into European ports with €80 million Spanish deal

Marsa Maroc, a leading African port terminal operator, has entered into a strategic agreement to acquire a 45% stake in Boluda Maritime Terminals (BMT), part of Spain’s Boluda Corporación Marítima, for €80 million. This move marks a significant expansion of the Moroccan company’s operations from Africa into Europe.

The deal, executed through Marsa Maroc International Logistics (MMIL), involves acquiring both capital and voting rights in BMT. Approved by Marsa Maroc’s Board of Directors on November 19, the transaction is pending regulatory clearance.

BMT operates nine maritime terminals across the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands, including Las Palmas, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Seville, and Santander. These terminals handled over one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) in 2024, playing a vital role in managing traffic flows between the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands. They also support Boluda Lines’ 11 maritime routes linking Europe, Africa, and beyond, including the Balearics, Northern Europe, and Cape Verde.

This acquisition establishes Marsa Maroc’s presence on both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar, expanding its portfolio to 34 terminals across 20 ports. The partnership is expected to generate operational synergies by combining Marsa Maroc and Boluda Corporación Marítima’s expertise in port management. Both entities aim to strengthen their position along the Morocco-Spain maritime corridor and expand further into Africa.

The European Union remains Morocco’s largest trading partner, contributing 65% of the country’s external trade. Spain serves as a critical gateway for Moroccan exports to European markets, with Spanish ports playing a central role in facilitating these trade flows.

This is Marsa Maroc’s second collaboration with Boluda Group. Earlier this year, the two partners secured a 20-year contract to provide towage and assistance services at Morocco’s Nador West Med port. That joint venture involved investments of MAD 488.25 million ($48.83 million) for four tugboats, with Boluda Towage France holding a 51% stake and Marsa Maroc 49%.

Founded in 1837, Boluda Corporación Marítima is a global leader in maritime services, operating across five continents. The company has a strong presence in maritime logistics through its extensive network of routes and terminals.

The acquisition aligns with Marsa Maroc’s “Marsa 2030” strategic plan, which aims to position the group as a leading regional port operator. This plan focuses on international expansion and integrating major maritime and logistics projects with global partners. By leveraging this partnership, Marsa Maroc seeks to provide enhanced logistics solutions, improving connectivity between European and African markets while supporting Moroccan exporters.