Eclipsed but not forgotten. The Port of Casablanca stands as a testament to Morocco’s maritime history. It shows its enduring economic significance.
This port is near the Hassan II Mosque. The Port of Casablanca is one of the largest artificial ports in Morocco. Once it was among the world’s largest. That was before Tangiers-Med came into service in 2007.
Casablanca’s port handles over 21.3 million tons of traffic annually. This represents 38% of Moroccan traffic. Its sales turnover is more than 894 million Moroccan Dirhams. The port spans 605 hectares. It extends over 8 kilometers. It can accommodate over 35 ships simultaneously.
Before the Portuguese invasion in the 16th century, Casablanca was Anfa. The Portuguese built a military fortress in 1515. The Moroccan Saadi Dynasty expelled them in 1530.
Sidi Mohammed Bin Abdellah, an Alawi Sultan, started the port’s foundation in the 18th century. He named it Addar Al Beida, or Casablanca. In the 19th century, Casablanca became a major wool supplier to Britain’s textile industry. Shipping traffic increased. The British imported gunpowder tea, a key ingredient in Moroccan mint tea.
By the 1860s, about 4000 people lived here. By the late 1880s, the population grew to around 9000. Casablanca remained a modestly sized port. Its population reached about 12000. This was shortly after the French conquest in 1912.
The Moroccan administration entrusted the Compagnie Marocaine with building a small port. The water surface sheltered was only 10 hectares. Work began in 1906. It included building two small piers. The port of Casablanca began to develop in 1906.
By 1938, the port had taken shape. It included a water level of 125 hectares. There were moles, quay levels, and quays for trading ships.
The port expanded. Facilities for phosphates shipping were extended. A citrus fruits facility was completed from the 1950s to the 1980s. Marsa Maroc has ordered many ongoing works since 2013.
A new cruise terminal opened in 2022. It can handle 450000 passengers.
The Port of Casablanca is vital to Morocco’s economy. It handles commercial vessels, cargo, containers, liquid bulk, solid bulk, and fishing vessels. Its rich history makes it a noteworthy site.
Located near a railway network and roads, the port efficiently transports cargo. The Moulay Youssef Jetty protects the port from ocean elements. The jetty is 3180 meters long. A cross jetty is about 1140 meters long. It safeguards the port and ships from rough seas and strong winds.
Casablanca, Morocco’s chief port, boasts one of Africa’s largest artificial harbors. It stands as the third-largest port in North Africa.
The Port of Casablanca has transitioned into a massive, modern port. Work on new piers and other structures began in 1906. In 1996, the east container terminal began operating. Today, the port can accommodate about thirty-five ships at once.
Casablanca’s port stretches across almost eight kilometers of land. It confirms its place as Morocco’s most important port.