The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is investing in Morocco’s maritime sector with a loan of up to MAD 690 million (equivalent to €65 million) to Marsa Maroc SA. The EBRD loan will finance increases in the capacity of the multipurpose terminals at the ports of Casablanca and Jorf Lasfar, helping to fund infrastructure work aimed at extending their handling capacity, as well as supporting the acquisition of hybrid cranes and electric rail cranes. This will enable the expansion and operational optimisation of these terminals, enhancing the competitiveness of the Moroccan economy.

This loan will benefit from first loss risk cover provided by the European Union (EU) through its European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) under the Municipal Infrastructure and Industrial Resilience (MIIR) guarantee programme. The EBRD will also support the digital transformation of Marsa Maroc through EU-funded technical cooperation activities, which will include the development and implementation of cutting-edge digital solutions at the Casablanca multipurpose terminal, as well as a gender-responsive digital upskilling training programme for employees.

Marsa Maroc is the leading port operator in Morocco. Listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange, it operates terminals and quays in 11 ports in Morocco and Bénin. The Marsa Maroc Group, including Marsa Maroc SA and its subsidiaries, is active in a number of different segments (containers, solid bulk, general cargo, liquid bulk, Ro-Ro and passengers) and offers both goods services and shipping services.

The EBRD has invested almost €5 billion in Morocco through 106 projects to date. The Bank’s focus in Morocco is on supporting sustainable energy, direct and indirect financing of private enterprises, infrastructure reform and non-sovereign financing.