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Global Ports Holding awarded preferred bidder status for Casablanca Cruise Port

A consortium led by Global Ports Holding(51%), local shareholder Steya(40%) and Ocean Infrastructures Management(9%) has been awarded bidder status for a 15-year concession to operate Casablanca’s new cruise terminal.

Mary Bond, Editor in Chief

April 5, 2024

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

Following a public tender, the consortium is now working with Agence Nationale des Ports (ANP) on agreeing terms.

Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city, offers cruise passengers a blend of traditional Moroccan culture and contemporary experiences. It is also the cruise gateway to Rabat and the Red City of Marrakech, which will soon be within 1.2hrs reach via the new bullet train project, set to be completed before the 2030 FIFA World Cup to be hosted jointly by Morocco, Spain and Portugal.

From historic mosques and cathedrals, historical neighbourhoods to relaxing beaches and vibrant promenades, the city offers visitors a wide range of experiences. Located on the Northwest coast of Africa,  Casablanca is a key stopover port for Canary Island and West Mediterranean cruises, as well as crossing sailings between Europe and the Caribbean. 

Port investment

A €60m investment, led by ANP, includes the construction of a new cruise berth, terminal and maritime station, significantly increasing the port’s capacity.

The port is now capable of handling ships up to 350mtr long and welcoming 400,000 passengers per annum. Casablanca Cruise Port is expected to welcome around 150,000 transit passengers in 2024, rising to 180,000 passengers in 2025.

About the Author

Mary Bond

Editor in Chief

Mary Bond is Group Director, Seatrade Cruise a division within Informa Markets and responsible for the Seatrade portfolio of global cruise events, print and online cruise publishing.

Mary is also the publisher and editor-in-chief of Seatrade Cruise News and Seatrade Cruise Review magazine.

Mary has worked in the shipping industry for 39 years, first for Lloyd’s Register of Shipping before joining Seatrade’s editorial team in 1985.

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