Morocco's Maritime Fleet Declines to 17 Ships, Government Plans Revival Strategy
Marrakech – Morocco's maritime transport fleet has dramatically declined to just 17 vessels, down from approximately 70 ships in the 1960s and 1970s, according to Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh.
Kayouh made his remarks during Monday's oral questions session at the House of Representatives.
'Most of these vessels are owned by foreign operators,' Kayouh noted, stressing the severity of the decline. In response to the royal speech on the 48th anniversary of the Green March, the ministry has initiated a comprehensive study to revitalize Morocco's maritime capabilities.
The initiative aims to facilitate the movement of Moroccan citizens and enhance the country's logistical sovereignty.
The strategic study involves multiple government departments through a steering committee. Key participants include the Ministries of Equipment and Water, Industry and Trade, Energy Transition, Finance, Interior, and Investment – all with direct roles in maritime transport operations.
Kayouh promised that ministry officials would complete the study within a month. 'The results will be published for the public to develop a roadmap for upgrading the maritime transport sector,' he confirmed.
Abderrahman El Amri, a member of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), corroborated the minister's figures. He specified that 'Morocco's fleet of commercial ships in the 1980s was 73 ships before sharply declining to 11 ships in 2020,' attributing this decrease to 'the accumulation of company debts.'
El Amri further explained that 'the percentage of foreign trade conducted via Moroccan commercial ships does not exceed 5 percent only, which is very unfortunate.'
He pointed out that maritime connectivity is a fundamental factor in the success of the Atlantic Initiative launched by King Mohammed VI and in strengthening maritime links with African coastal countries.
Regarding the ministry's strategy to reduce maritime transport ticket prices for Moroccans living abroad, Kayouh reported that preparations for Operation Marhaba 2025 include ensuring capacity and securing various transportation services.
For maritime transport specifically, 29 vessels will be available with a weekly capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles, distributed across 13 maritime lines. This translates to 7.5 million passengers, 2 million vehicles, and 7,800 weekly trips.
For air transport, Kayouh revealed that the ministry is working with various operators. They have authorized 59 airlines to secure approximately 2,235 flights between Moroccan airports and 141 international airports.
The Atlantic African region faces serious challenges related to resource sustainability and security that require robust maritime governance. Effective maritime management is essential for the region, which benefits from an exceptional ocean frontage.
These maritime capabilities are increasingly vital for Morocco's strategic initiatives and economic competitiveness, particularly as the country seeks to strengthen its logistical sovereignty and facilitate smoother trade exchanges in a context where these have become national priorities.
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