Shipping to Morocco

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Ocean Freight to Morocco

Morocco is located in the Maghreb area of the northwest of the continent. It is surrounded on all sides by large bodies of water that supply high-quality fish and products.

The Atlantic Ocean is also located between the Africa and Americas. To the north, the Mediterranean Sea separates it from Europe.

Morocco’s largest European trading partner is Spain, while Portugal, France, the United Kingdom, and the Scandinavian countries are also regular trading partners.

Moroccan culture and customs were strongly impacted by French and Portuguese colonization, with the former having a long-lasting impact on the people’s culture and traditions.

According to the reports published by ECI, Morocco had the 58th most complex economy in the world in terms of GDP, the 60th most complex economy in terms of exports, the 52nd most complex economy in terms of imports, the 136th most complex economy in terms of GDP per capita, and the 81st most complex economy in terms of GDP in 2020.

Automobiles, Mixed Mineral or Synthetic Fertilizers, Insulated Wire, Phosphoric Acid, and Calcium Phosphates are Morocco’s biggest exports, with most of them going to Spain, France, Italy, India, and Germany.
Morocco’s major imports include refined petroleum, auto parts, automobiles, wheat, and petroleum gas, all of which are mostly imported from Spain, China, France, Germany, and the United States.

Import to Morocco from UAE

FCL

Agadir From: Jebel Ali

$1,826 From

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FCL

Oran From: Sharjah

$1,870 From

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FCL

Algeciras From: Jebel Ali

$1,925 From

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Export from Morocco to UAE

FCL

Jebel Ali From: Algeciras

$889 From

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FCL

Abu Dhabi From: Casablanca

$1,342 From

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FCL

Dubai From: Malaga

$1,650 From

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FCL

Ajman From: Algeciras

$1,892 From

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FCL or LCL Sea Shipping to Morocco

FCL stands for ‘Full Container Load,’ and it refers to a container that is only used by one consignee. In international shipping, an FCL refers to a single container reserved only for the transportation of the shipper’s goods. The shipper is not required to share the container with other shippers’ cargo. This improves cargo safety and streamlines the management of ocean freight transportation.

Less than Container Load, or LCL, is used when the exporter does not need to book a full container since the goods do not require that much room. An LCL container is used for smaller shipments that need to be shipped cheaply and in a time-sensitive way.

Major Sea Ports in Morocco

Nador Port

The Port of Nador is a prominent trade port in Morocco, located in the Rif area. It is classed as a semi-artificial lagoon and is managed by the regional SODEP. The port is located on the Bou Areg Lagoon. The port is close to the Spanish province of Melilla, and the two ports share a significant volume of trade. Both shipping lanes are connected and share numerous facilities, with Nador Port taking about 30% of the total area.

The port is home to a number of year-round ferry services. Some ro-ro companies operate between international ports in Spain and France. The Almeria and Motril ferry services are the main passenger routes. The port features a 600-meter passenger ship dock and a 13-meter average port anchoring depth.

Tanger Med Port

The Port of Tanger Med (also known as Tangier Med) is Africa’s largest cargo port and one of Morocco’s most important ports. It is the largest Mediterranean port on the Moroccan coastline, and it is run by the Tanger Med Port Authority.

It has been in service since 2007 and has quickly set new records for container and freight shipping. The initial facilities were designed to handle 3.5 million TEUs, but a subsequent expansion project expanded that capacity to a maximum of 9 million TEUs.

The port, which is located in northern Morocco, is an ideal location for doing trade with Europe. This was proposed in a free trade deal between Morocco and the EU agreed upon in 2012. Due to its location near the Straits of Gibraltar, the port has easy access to important shipping centers.

It provides several incentives to private companies who set up a business in the port’s logistics center and seaport zone. Tanger Med is unique in that it is currently constructing a hub that will make it the only port in North-Western Africa with a facility for cereal shipments. The port also stores about 10 million tons of oil every year.

Casablanca Port

The Casablanca Port is Morocco’s largest port and an artificial harbor (based on area). The harbor, which is second only to Tanger Med Port in terms of annual cargo and container volume, handles around 38% of the country’s marine activity. The port entrance runs over 8 kilometers and can accommodate roughly 40 boats at the same time, spanning 605 hectares. Casablanca’s average cargo handling capacity is 21.3 million tons.

It is separated into a commercial port, a fish port, a marina, and a shipyard, and is now managed by Marsa Maroc. Casablanca is connected to the ONCF train system and the other metro cities as one of Morocco’s largest cities. The port is in the midst of a long-term expansion project in order to maintain the facilities up to standard. Since it became the first port of the 19th-century Moroccan monarchy, the port has undergone various expansions as traffic has increased.

The port has been a busy place aimed at refurbishing and modernizing the port, from the construction of leisure boats and piers to the opening of the Tarik and Est container terminals.

Kenitra Port

On the shores of the Sebou River, the Port of Kenitra is a trade port. The Mehdia Port is part of the port, which is near to Casablanca and Tangier. The facility is connected to the National Highway and Rail System and is located 17 kilometers inland from the Atlantic Ocean. Rabat Airport is 25 kilometers away from the airport.

Kenitra has been in operation as a fishing and cargo port for over a century. It was chosen as an outstanding place for a port that would remain accessible from the Atlantic after being established as a military facility. After some time, trade began to thrive, and the port played an important role in the development of the Gharb area. Fishing became a popular activity, with the Mehdia outer port serving as a significant hub for fish exports.

Europe

Asia

North America

South America

Africa

Oceania

Shipping cargo: Morocco <--> UAE

In recent years, the UAE has become one of Morocco‘s main trading partners, with bilateral trade totaling $4.4 billion in 2019. The two countries have signed multiple agreements to increase cooperation in areas such as agriculture, industry, tourism, and investment.

The UAE is an important market for Moroccan exports, particularly agricultural products, and phosphate rock. In turn, the UAE is a major source of imported goods for Morocco, including crude oil and petrochemical products. The two countries are also working together to build a gas pipeline between them that would further bolster their economic ties.

The close relationship between the UAE and Morocco is due in part to their shared membership in the Arab League and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This proximity has allowed for increased political and economic cooperation between the two countries on regional issues such as combating terrorism financing and promoting stability in Libya.

Market Update 2022

In 2022, the UAE and Morocco are expected to have a thriving trade relationship with one another. The two countries have many complementarities that make them well–suited for trade. For instance, the UAE has a large and diversified economy, while Morocco has a strong agricultural sector. Moreover, both countries are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and have signed free trade agreements (FTAs) with several other nations.

In recent years, bilateral trade between the UAE and Morocco has been growing steadily. In 2018, Moroccan exports to the UAE amounted to $2 billion while Moroccan imports from the UAE totaled $1 billion. This trend is expected to continue in 2022 as both nations work towards further economic integration and liberalization measures.

Banned Products

There are several products that are banned from being imported into Morocco. These include live animals, meat and dairy products, certain vegetables and fruits, plants and seeds, pharmaceuticals, used tires/paint/oil/clothing/shoes, weapons, and ammunition. The reason for the ban on these products is to protect the country from diseases and pests, preserve public health and safety, and safeguard Morocco’s natural resources.

Documents & Customs Clearance

Cargo customs clearance is a necessary process for any business importing or exporting goods to and from Morocco. The Moroccan Customs Administration is responsible for the regulation and control of all merchandise entering and exiting the country. In order to ensure compliance with customs regulations, businesses must work with a licensed customs broker who is familiar with the clearance process. Depending on the type of goods being imported or exported, additional documentation may be required in order to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once all documentation has been submitted, businesses can expect their cargo to be cleared within 2–3 days.

All shipments of goods entering Morocco must be declared to Customs. This is done by the submission of various documents, which include a Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, an invoice, and a packing list. The consignee or their customs broker will also need to obtain special import permits for certain items prior to clearance.

Rules & Regulations

Morocco has a complex system of shipping rules and regulations that can be difficult to navigate for foreigners. Ships entering Moroccan waters must follow specific routes and declare their cargo to the proper authorities. They are also subject to strict safety inspections and must have insurance in case of accident or pollution. These regulations are designed to protect Morocco‘s coastline and ensure the safety of its citizens, but they can be confusing for those unfamiliar with them.

Given the complicated nature of Morocco‘s shipping rules and regulations, it is advisable to work with an experienced shipping company when transporting goods to the country. A reputable shipping company will be familiar with the necessary paperwork and requirements and can help ensure that your shipment arrives safely and on time.