Transport
From The Report: Morocco 2013
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Now in the midst of a three-stage strategic plan to develop the transport sector and position the country as a regional hub for air and maritime traffic, Morocco has experienced remarkable growth in transport networks in recent years. The government invested some €10.67bn between 2008 and 2012 for infrastructure building and introduced liberalisation and competitiveness reforms. To maximise the benefits of the country’s expanded infrastructure, the government has also proposed a Dh60bn (€5.33bn) investment programme over the 2010-30 period for the construction of a nationwide logistics network. This is expected to increase efficiency and boost revenues in maritime, air, road and rail transport. While much of Morocco’s transport sector continues to be managed by public entities, particularly airports and railways, private sector firms are coming to play larger roles, especially in maritime segment.

This chapter includes interviews with Aziz Rabbah, Minister of Equipment and Transport; and Hartmut Goeritz, Director-General, APM Terminals Tangier.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Linking up: New expansion continues to receive wide public sector support
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Now in the midst of a three-stage strategic plan to develop the transport sector and position the country as a regional hub for air and maritime traffic, Morocco has experienced remarkable growth in transit in recent years. Following a 10-year investment programme aimed at boosting basic infrastructure, Morocco now has one of the region’s more developed transport networks. Between 2003 and 2007, the government invested Dh58bn (€5.16bn) in road, airport, port and rail infrastructure upgrades.…

Analysis

Open skies: Air traffic stands to benefit from a number of new incentives, partnerships and infrastructure developments
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The air transport sector in Morocco has evolved significantly in the last decade. Following the launch of market liberalisation in 2004 and the signing of an open skies agreement with the EU in 2006, a number of new air carriers have entered the market and passenger numbers have seen marked growth. The National Airports Office (Office National des Aéroports, ONDA), recorded an average of 12.5% annual growth in passenger numbers between 2004 and 2010. As passenger traffic grew, the state has…

Interview

OBG talks to Abdelaziz Rabbah, Minister of Equipment and Transport
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Interview: Abdelaziz Rabbah In what ways does the logistics sector need to be reformed given its fragmented nature today? ABDELAZIZ RABBAH: The logistics sector in Morocco is at an intermediate stage of its development, made up of many companies that are not very sophisticated and marked by a lack of advanced infrastructure. Streamlining is key to modernising the sector to ensure efficient flows of goods through dedicated logistical zones. We also want to introduce a certification system for operators…

Interview

OBG talks to Hartmut Goeritz, Director-General, APM Terminals Tangier
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Interview: Hartmut Goeritz How do you expect the port of Tanger-Med to develop, and what external factors will support growth? HARTMUT GOERITZ: Due to its strategic position at the crossroads of major trade lanes in the Strait of Gibraltar, we expect to see continued trans-shipment volume growth through Tanger-Med. Previously, The port was mainly a trans-shipment hub for West African cargo, but it now offers an expanded product range to maritime companies. Intending to further develop local cargo…

Analysis

Connect and conquer: Boosting logistics is central to long-term sector improvement
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The development of the logistics sector is the final step in the government’s 10-year plan to develop Morocco’s transport sector. Morocco has invested heavily in transport infrastructure since 2003, and it is now poised to reap the benefits from expanded airport and maritime infrastructure, a more comprehensive highway network and increased rail capacity. Authorities are now turning to the development of the national logistics network in order to maximise the potential of this infrastructure,…

Analysis

From every angle: Private sector and foreign partners are helping to take transport facilities in the kingdom to the next level
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As the kingdom continues to develop its national transport network, both private-sector and foreign partners have an important role to play. The state has invested considerable resources in building road, rail, airport and maritime infrastructure over the last decade. The public sector is likely to remain the main player in the management of transport, but private firms will be instrumental to the future development of the sector, both with regard to construction and financing. Abdelaziz Rabbah,…

Analysis

Laying tracks: Operators are preparing for increases in passenger and freight traffic
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In the last decade, Morocco has pursued a public investment programme worth nearly Dh180bn (€16bn) to develop the national transport infrastructure. Thanks in part to work completed under this programme, Morocco benefits from an efficient rail network that extends over 4000 km. The 2010-15 railway programme is expected to provide a total investment of Dh33bn (€2.9bn); Morocco’s National Railway Office (Office National des Chemins de Fer, ONCF) indicated that it plans to invest Dh7.5bn (€666.75m)…