MOROCCO-ROYAL ACTIVITY: HM The King launches construction works of Safi new port

PERSISMA, Safi, Apr 19, 2013 – HM King Mohammed VI launched, on Friday, works to build the new port of Safi (340 south of Rabat), a strategic project that will reinforce national maritime transport infrastructure.

The mega project, which will be implemented in three phases, is part of the national ports strategy which aims to enhance Morocco’s comparative advantages, strengthen the Kingdom’s economic attractiveness, enable Morocco to have a market share in international maritime trade between the Mediterranean, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and set up efficient ports as driving forces for regional development and key players in the positioning of Morocco as a logistics platform.

Located 15 km south of Safi, the future port is intended to support the energy sector and the chemical industry in the region and contribute to the development of the transport of large bulk relating to energy and mineral industry.

The 4 billion dirham phase of the port is due for completion in 2017. It will in particular meet the needs of the new thermal plant of the National Water and Electricity Utility (ONEE), estimated at 3.5 million tonnes of coal per year.

The new project is expected to generate over 750 direct jobs during the construction phase and 180 during the operational phase. It will make the city of Safi a major centre of economic and social development.

Source: MAP