Port of Casablanca Enhances Operations with New Night Access
The Casablanca port is undergoing a significant transformation, marking a pivotal advancement in its operational modernization. In a decision anticipated by industry professionals for years, the port has officially announced the temporary opening of Gate 4 from midnight to 7 AM every day. This strategic move aims to alleviate the heavy traffic congestion that has plagued the port for an extended period. Following the ongoing operational stress, the governor of the Casablanca-Anfa district has implemented this change, which has been in effect since June 1. While Gate 6 remains operational, the additional access point is hoped to streamline heavy truck traffic and reduce delays in cargo unloading.
This nocturnal opening represents a crucial evolution towards a more flexible operational model, something that transport and logistics experts have long advocated. The context of this decision is critical; the port has been experiencing persistent congestion, with significant delays affecting unloading operations. Transporters had initially planned a strike on June 1, sparked by various professional associations in response to the ongoing challenges. However, this planned strike was suspended following a series of negotiations held on May 20 and 21 with local officials, including the director general of the National Ports Agency. A decisive meeting on May 25, 2026, led by the wali of the Casablanca-Settat region, Mohamed Mhidia, brought together key stakeholders to address the pressing issues at hand.
One of the paramount concerns raised by industry professionals has been the extreme congestion at the port, exemplified by the sight of over 80 ships anchored and waiting to dock, visible from both Dar Bouazza and Mohammedia. Mohamed Rihai, president of the Moroccan Federation of Road Transport to Ports, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "It is unacceptable for a port of Casablanca's stature not to operate 24/7." Each delay creates significant losses for importers and disrupts production chains, highlighting the need for a continuous operational system.
Furthermore, the reopening of Gate 4 allows for improved access, as operators have been largely relying on a single entry point, Gate 6, due to the new maritime route and traffic concerns in the city center. While there were hopes for multiple additional access points, many professionals consider this new opening a reasonable compromise. Rihai notes, "One more gate is better than none," acknowledging the incremental progress being made.
The selection of nighttime hours for Gate 4's operation is strategic, designed to minimize impacts on urban traffic. This practice aligns with similar operations in major metropolitan areas around the globe. Nevertheless, the question remains: will this temporary measure be sufficient to sustainably resolve the port's congestion issues? Many observers express skepticism. Beyond organizational constraints, the port's saturation is also linked to the sustained increase in commercial traffic in recent years, which has intensified pressure on existing infrastructure. This situation has reignited discussions about the long-considered expansion of the port.
In conclusion, the nighttime opening of the Casablanca port is a welcomed step forward, yet it appears to be more of a temporary fix rather than a comprehensive solution to a systemic issue. The ongoing challenges highlight the necessity for long-term strategies to enhance the port's capacity and efficiency.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
