National Ports Agency's (ANP) confirms investment policies for port services.

On Wednesday, December 24, 2014, on the occasion of the Board's meeting held at ANP's headquarters and under the chairmanship of Mr. Aziz Rabbah, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Logistics of Morocco, the Board highlighted the efforts made by the Agency responsible for
developing the national ports. Investments totaling MAD 2.5 billion will be mobilized in 2015, on a total budget of $ 6 billion for the 2015-2019 period. During her presentation to the members of the Board, ANP's Director General, Ms. Nadia LARAKI said the investment program is in tune with the National Ports Strategy recommendations for 2030 and also includes the last two phases of the Wessal Casablanca project, the development of the new shipyard (MAD 820 million) and the construction of a building for the port community (170 million MAD).

 This exceptional investment effort encompasses a number of development projects, including the construction of an LPG station at the port of Mohammedia (MAD 350 million), the implementation of the connection works of the maritime component of the road to connect the port of Casablanca (MAD 150 million) and the reinforcement of the port’s breakwaters (240 million MAD).

In 2015, the Agency will also pursue several projects currently launched or being launched. For instance the port of Casablanca, the new fishing port, the cruise terminal and the extension of the north service road, the sand groyne off the port of Sidi Ifni and the new recreational boating area at the port of al Hoceima.

Regarding port sector regulation, the Director General highlighted the main projects planned for 2015: the concession of the North Terminal of the port of Agadir, the continuation of the concession process of port projects, but also regularization activities for port operators in accordance with Law 15-02, and lastly achieving strong impact strategic studies on upgrading the industry’s competitiveness and creating the Observatory of Ports Competitiveness.

Regarding finances, Mrs. Nadia LARAKI presented the following 2015 forecast: A turnover of MAD 1.4 billion (+ 6.1%), MAD 850 million (+ 6.2%) in added value, and operating profits of 184 million MAD.