Morocco turns to floating power ships to meet growing electricity demand

Sunday 29 June 2025 - 09:02

By: Zahouani Ilham

Morocco turns to floating power ships to meet growing electricity demand

Morocco is exploring a flexible and rapid solution to its increasing electricity needs by considering the import of up to 6,000 megawatts of power via floating power ships from Turkey. These ships, equipped with mobile power plants, offer a timely alternative amid growing pressure on conventional energy infrastructure, especially during peak demand periods.

A key player in this sector is Karpowership, the floating power division of Turkish energy group Karadeniz. Since its founding in 2010, the company has built a fleet of ships capable of producing over 6,000 megawatts of electricity. These vessels primarily run on liquefied natural gas (LNG) but can also operate on liquid fuels like diesel or heavy oil, providing high operational flexibility.

During the Africa Energy Forum, Ali Hajjij, Karpowership’s Vice President for Africa, identified Morocco as a strategic and promising market. The country, known for its leadership in renewable energy, sees these floating units as a temporary solution while awaiting the completion of the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project, expected to enhance its gas supply capabilities.

These ships are equipped with high-efficiency piston engines that allow for rapid deployment and the ability to adjust output based on real-time energy needs. Their modularity makes them especially useful in situations where land-based infrastructure is delayed or insufficient.

Several countries, particularly in Africa and the Middle East including Iraq, Lebanon, and Sudan have already adopted this technology with positive results. For instance, in Sierra Leone, floating power ships supply nearly 80% of national electricity needs, while a single unit in Guinea-Bissau meets the country’s entire energy demand.

Despite Morocco's progress in solar and wind energy, challenges remain in financing and building traditional power infrastructure. The introduction of floating power plants presents a practical and immediate way to bridge energy gaps while supporting the country’s ongoing energy transition. A partnership between Morocco and Karpowership could play a vital role in securing the country's energy supply by combining innovation with economic and structural adaptability.