Tanger Med ranks among the world’s largest container ports

Wednesday 29 July 2026 - 16:16

By: Azzat Manal

Tanger Med ranks among the world’s largest container ports

Morocco’s Tanger Med port is strengthening its position in global maritime trade after ranking 16th among the world’s largest container ports, according to a recent classification published by Ports Europe.

The port complex recorded strong growth in 2025, handling approximately 11.1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), representing an annual increase of around 8.4% compared with the previous year, when container traffic stood at approximately 10.24 million TEUs.

Data cited in the ranking showed that Tanger Med’s four container terminals processed more than 11.1 million containers during the year, while total cargo traffic reached around 161 million tonnes. The figures highlight the growing importance of the Moroccan port as a major hub for international trade and maritime logistics.

The port’s expansion has been supported not only by increased handling capacity but also by significant investments in technology and digital infrastructure. Advanced systems for managing vessel traffic, tracking containers and improving logistics operations have helped enhance the efficiency of the port’s activities.

Tanger Med’s strategic location is another key factor behind its growing international importance. Situated near the Strait of Gibraltar, at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the port provides a crucial link between major markets across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

The Moroccan port is connected to more than 180 international ports, allowing it to serve as an important platform for transshipment and the redistribution of goods across global supply chains. Its location also makes it particularly attractive to international shipping companies and logistics operators.

The port’s rise in global rankings reflects a steady expansion over recent years. While its exact position may vary between different international reports due to differences in methodology and reporting periods, Tanger Med has increasingly established itself as a major competitor to leading maritime hubs in Europe and Asia.

The port’s influence also extends beyond maritime transport. The surrounding industrial and logistics zones have attracted investment in strategic sectors including automotive manufacturing, aerospace, electronics and textiles. This ecosystem has contributed to Morocco’s emergence as a regional production and export platform.

By combining expanding infrastructure, digital technologies, strong international shipping connections and a strategic geographic position, Tanger Med has evolved from an ambitious port project into a major global logistics hub. Its growing container traffic and expanding industrial ecosystem are reinforcing Morocco’s role in international trade and global supply chains.