Morocco leads Africa in new marine tug deliveries

Wednesday 02 - 14:44

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco leads Africa in new marine tug deliveries

Morocco is emerging as a leading African market for the delivery of new marine tugboats, highlighting the country’s growing capabilities in maritime services and logistics as it strengthens its position as a regional hub for sea trade and transportation.

According to industry reports, Morocco has recorded the highest number of new tugboat deliveries among African countries. The trend reflects growing investment in vessels designed to support ships during port entry, maneuvering, berthing and departure operations.

Among the latest deliveries are three new azimuth stern drive tugboats operated by West Med Towage, a subsidiary of Boluda. Two of the vessels are named VP Betoya and VP Reef, while the third is called VP Gorougo.

VP Gorougo is expected to begin operations at the Port of Nador before later being assigned to Nador West Med, one of Morocco’s major port infrastructure projects on the Mediterranean coast.

The three tugboats feature advanced technical specifications. Each vessel measures 28 meters in length, 12 meters in width and has a depth of five meters. Their combined power reaches 5,120 kilowatts, with each tug equipped with two CAT 3516 C engines.

The vessels were built at Damen Song Cam shipyard in Vietnam and are designed to perform towing, pushing, maneuvering and ship-assistance operations. Such services are becoming increasingly important as maritime traffic expands and ports handle growing numbers of commercial vessels.

AIS tracking data cited by industry sources showed that VP Gorougo was sailing across the Indian Ocean toward the Red Sea in August 2026 after departing from Singapore, with Morocco as its final destination.

The arrival of the new tugboats comes as Morocco continues to invest in port infrastructure and maritime logistics. With major projects such as Nador West Med and the country’s broader efforts to strengthen its international trade connections, demand for specialized port-support vessels is expected to remain significant.

The expansion of Morocco’s tugboat fleet underlines the growing importance of maritime logistics to the country’s economic strategy and its ambition to consolidate its role as a key gateway between Europe, Africa and international markets.