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Port Dakhla Atlantique: Morocco's Atlantic gateway nears completion

Tuesday 25 November 2025 - 09:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Port Dakhla Atlantique: Morocco's Atlantic gateway nears completion

Port Dakhla Atlantique, a transformative infrastructure project with an estimated cost of MAD 15 billion ($1.65 billion), is steadily progressing toward its goal of becoming a major hub for Atlantic trade. With 46% of construction completed, this ambitious megaproject is set to enhance Morocco’s economic and logistical reach across the Atlantic corridor.

A cornerstone of Morocco’s Atlantic vision

Located approximately 50 kilometers from Dakhla’s urban center, the port is a strategic component of Morocco’s national port strategy for 2030 and the development model for its southern provinces. The project aims to position Dakhla-Oued Eddahab as a central player in African economic integration, aligning with King Mohammed VI's vision outlined during the 45th anniversary of the Green March.

Port Dakhla Atlantique is designed to address regional needs in fisheries, logistics, and cross-border trade while fostering South-South cooperation, particularly within the framework of the Royal Initiative for Sahel countries.

Infrastructure and connectivity

The port’s infrastructure is planned to handle a total capacity of 35 million tons annually, covering diverse sectors such as container traffic, fisheries, mining exports, and renewable energy components. This deep-water port will feature advanced facilities, including specialized quays for containers, petroleum products, and heavy cargo tied to renewable energy projects.

Key technical features include two main basins with draft depths of 12 to 16 meters, a 2.7-kilometer quay network, and over 7.5 kilometers of protective breakwater. A multimodal platform will streamline the movement of goods, integrating the port with the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway and regional aviation infrastructure to strengthen transport interconnectivity.

Industrial and logistics zones

Adjacent to the port, a 1,600-hectare industrial and logistics zone is being developed to attract operators and investors. This zone will include several specialized clusters, such as a seafood competitiveness hub, a general industrial area, and a logistics space serving West African and Sahel markets.

The site’s maritime connectivity will extend to major markets across Africa, Europe, and the Americas, further cementing its role as a vital Atlantic gateway.

Future expansion and strategic importance

The port’s modular design ensures capacity for future expansion, securing its place within Morocco’s long-term Atlantic strategy. With ongoing construction of the maritime bridge and significant progress on the second and third basins, Port Dakhla Atlantique is on track to reshape Morocco’s economic landscape and bolster its global trade connections for decades to come.