Morocco’s National Ports Agency (ANP) has launched an investment programme of 6.3 billion dirhams ($765M) for 2014-2018, starting with 1.8 billion dirhams ($218M) this year.

Projects include the ongoing construction of a third container terminal in Casablanca, which will bring the port’s annual capacity to 1.6 million TEUs. The agency says that the aim is to meet the growing demand for container traffic and reduce waiting times, but also to accommodate ships of up to 5,000 TEUs. The access channel to the Casablanca port will be dredged to allow for a 14-metre draught.

In the port of Mohammedia, located near a major refinery, works will be conducted on two berths to accommodate tankers whose length is between 140 and 180m. Docking and mooring systems will also be replaced.

The port of Jorf Lasfar, which serves the chemical, steel and energy sectors, will undergo berth extensions at its coal and phosphate docks. Overall throughput is expected to reach 54 million tonnes by 2030.

The agency also plans to improve navigational safety at Sidi Ifni and to repair the Kenitra Mehdia breakwater.