The study's  conclusion that Morocco's port expansion is reshaping the competitive landscape of the Strait of Gibraltar

A study by Spain's University of Navarra has revealed that the rapid expansion of major port infrastructure in Morocco is having a negative impact on the competitiveness of Spanish ports and placing economic pressure on key coastal cities. The study identifies the Strait as a critical global shipping corridor carrying around 10% of annual maritime traffic. However, it notes that the competition between Spain and Morocco to control logistics flows is increasingly shifting southwards.

The study states that investments in Morocco’s Tanger Med Port and Nador West Med are strengthening Rabat’s position and exerting direct economic pressure on Spanish ports and nearby cities. The Port of Algeciras, which has historically been Spain's main maritime hub in the Strait, is experiencing the most immediate impact

Algeciras has been overtaken by Tanger Med in the Mediterranean

The study points out that Algeciras has been overtaken by Tanger Med in the Mediterranean, with the latter handling more than double the container volume of 10.24 million TEUs in 2024, compared to Algeciras' 4.7 million.A period of growth that peaked in 2020 has been reversed by this shift, which is reflected in a decline in traffic through the Spanish port. Concerns about its long-term competitiveness have been raised as a result.

European regulatory costs,

It is believed that part of this trend can be attributed to European regulatory costs, particularly environmental charges imposed on shipping, which are not applied in Moroccan ports and have led to some operators being forced to reroute cargo through Tanger Med .The implications of this extend beyond port activity to the wider Bay of Algeciras economy, in which logistics and maritime services play a central role.

It is warned in the study that significant job losses

It is warned in the study that significant job losses could be led to by a continued decline, with up to 1,600 positions being estimated to be lost, if investment in competitiveness and infrastructure is not increased. Companies involved in international trade, particularly agriculture, have also expressed concerns about inefficiencies affecting transport across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Related : Marsa Maroc Acquires 45% Stake in Spanish Port Operator for €80 Million

Delays in the movement of goods from Morocco to Spain

Delays in the movement of goods from Morocco to Spain have been reported by some companies, which can damage perishable products such as fruit, prompting operations to be relocated to other Mediterranean hubs by firms. The study also points to the indirect consequences for Spain's North African enclaves, suggesting that Morocco's port strategy is serving to extend its economic influence towards both Ceuta and Melilla.

The slower pace of modernisation of its port infrastructure

It says that the positioning of Tanger Med and the future Nador West Med, located near these territories, could limit their economic growth or increase their dependence on surrounding Moroccan infrastructure. According to the study, a key factor behind Spain’s declining competitiveness is the slower pace of modernisation of its port infrastructure.

Moroccan ports have been designed as highly automated logistics platforms capable of efficiently handling large volumes. In contrast, Spanish ports such as Algeciras lack comparable levels of automation, which reduces their operational speed and attractiveness to global shipping lines.

Dissatisfaction expressed by Spanish over European funding mechanisms

It is also highlighted in the study that dissatisfaction has been expressed by Spanish businesses over European funding mechanisms, and it is noted that financial contributions have partly supported projects like Nador West Med, which now compete directly with Spanish ports.

The study's overall conclusion is that Morocco's port expansion is reshaping the competitive landscape of the Strait of Gibraltar, with tangible economic consequences for Spanish ports and cities.It warns that without increased investment and strategic adjustments, Spain risks losing further ground in one of the world’s most important maritime corridors as trade flows and logistics networks increasingly shift towards Morocco.

About ; Moroccan ports

Moroccan ports constitute a strategic maritime network, dominated by the Tanger Med complex—Africa's largest port and a top global hub. Located along the Mediterranean and Atlantic, these ports, managed largely by the National Ports Agency (ANP) and Tanger Med Special Agency, facilitate extensive trade, passenger transit, and industrial logistics

Source : ASSHiFA

#Moroccan ports #Tanger Med #Mediterranean #Atlantic #University of Navarra #Spanish ports # Strait of Gibraltar # Spanish ports # Spanish study #Algeciras #Port race #Nador West Med