The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has scheduled a detailed assessment of Morocco’s port system, positioning the kingdom as a testing ground for next-generation maritime infrastructure. A tender for consulting services is set for release on July 1, 2026, with a field mission running from September 2, 2026, to February 26, 2027. The study will focus on Tanger Med, Casablanca port, and the wider national port network.
Tanger Med and Casablanca are Morocco’s primary ports, sitting at the heart of international logistics chains and handling roughly 98% of the country’s external trade. This strategic position places Moroccan port infrastructure at the centre of supply routes linking Europe, Africa, and global markets.
JICA’s involvement goes beyond simple technical advice. The terms of reference aim to support a port system that can sustain Morocco’s next phase of economic growth. The Moroccan port strategy targets infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, decarbonisation, and strengthening the country’s role as a logistics bridge between Europe and Africa. The mission will measure progress already made and identify adjustments needed to keep pace with changing international trade patterns.
This approach confirms that port competitiveness no longer depends solely on physical terminal capacity. It now also requires the ability to meet new environmental, digital, and technological demands that are steadily reshaping global maritime transport.
Preparing for tomorrow’s trade needs
A major part of the work will focus on future changes in trade flows. Experts will produce cargo traffic forecasts, analyse expansion projects, review master plans, and evaluate port management organization.
The mandate also includes an analysis of relevant institutions, the responsibilities of each stakeholder, and the land and sea connections linking Moroccan ports to major European and African markets. The goal is to check that current infrastructure matches future needs of the national economy.
This review will lead to a development strategy with an execution plan designed to improve coherence between investments, governance, and the evolution of trade.
Environmental transition and digitalisation
Environmental transition is central to the mission. Consultants will inventory existing policies in Moroccan ports, evaluate measures to reduce carbon emissions, and assess steps to improve energy efficiency.
In parallel, JICA requests a thorough analysis of port digitalisation. The document calls for examining the digitalisation of port management, ship arrival synchronization following Just in Time principles, cybersecurity systems, and actions contributing to carbon neutrality.
This combination of digitalisation and operational optimisation aims to smooth port calls, reduce ship waiting times, and improve overall efficiency of port platforms.
Strengthened technology cooperation with Japan
The mission also has an important forward-looking dimension. Beyond diagnosis, JICA must identify areas where collaboration with Japan would bring added value.
The mandate includes drawing up a list of projects that could use Japanese equipment, digital solutions, and technologies to improve Moroccan port operations and accelerate decarbonisation. A pilot phase will then test certain solutions before presenting them to Moroccan authorities during a dedicated workshop.
The study will involve specialists in port planning, digital transformation, decarbonisation, and cybersecurity. Representing 6.61 person-months, the mission remains a preparatory project whose content may evolve before the final tender publication.
Beyond its technical nature, this initiative highlights the strong interest that Morocco’s port system generates among leading international partners. By simultaneously evaluating infrastructure, governance, digital technology, environmental requirements, and traffic prospects, JICA places the kingdom’s ports into a long-term reflection on their ability to support shifts in global trade and consolidate Morocco’s position as a logistics platform between Europe and Africa.
