Morocco Launches International Study for Maritime Strategy
On December 16, Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh of the Istiqlal party, announced the initiation of a comprehensive international study aimed at revitalizing the country’s maritime fleet. Addressing the House of Councillors, Kayouh emphasized the importance of this initiative as Morocco seeks to regain a strong foothold in the global shipping industry.
Kayouh revealed that the study will lay the groundwork for a new strategy to modernize and expand Morocco’s maritime assets. It will examine best practices from leading maritime nations and adapt them to the Moroccan context. This effort is being carried out in partnership with a renowned international consulting firm, whose name was not disclosed during the parliamentary session.
Workforce Shortages Present Major Obstacles
While the government’s maritime ambitions are high, Kayouh acknowledged a significant challenge: the shortage of qualified human resources. He stressed that Morocco currently lacks the skilled workforce necessary to operate and maintain a modern maritime fleet. This human resource gap is seen as a critical barrier to the successful implementation of the new strategy.
The minister noted that without addressing this issue, any investment in ships or infrastructure could be undermined. “Human capital is the cornerstone of any maritime development,” he stated. “We must train and retain talent in this vital sector.”
Historical Decline of the Moroccan Shipping Sector
Morocco’s maritime sector has experienced a steady decline over the past decades. In the 1980s, the national fleet boasted over 60 ships and played a significant role in regional and international trade. However, due to mismanagement, lack of investment, and changing global dynamics, the fleet has drastically diminished.
Today, Morocco relies heavily on foreign shipping companies for its import and export needs. This dependency results in lost economic opportunities and limits national sovereignty over maritime logistics. The new strategy aims to reverse this trend by rebuilding a competitive Moroccan fleet capable of operating across international waters.
Training and Education as Key Pillars
To combat the workforce deficit, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics is prioritizing maritime education and training. Kayouh mentioned plans to collaborate with national maritime institutions to enhance curriculum and expand capacity. The goal is to produce a new generation of seafarers, engineers, and maritime logistics experts.
The government also intends to explore partnerships with international maritime academies to provide Moroccan students with advanced training opportunities. “We must build a robust educational pipeline,” Kayouh stressed. “Without it, the revival of our maritime fleet will remain a distant dream.”
Strategic Economic Importance
Reviving the maritime sector is not just a transportation issue—it’s an economic imperative. Morocco’s geographic position, straddling the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, offers strategic access to major trade routes. Enhancing the maritime fleet could significantly boost trade, support national industries, and create jobs.
Kayouh highlighted that a strong maritime presence would also support the nation’s broader economic goals, including regional integration and participation in Africa’s Blue Economy initiatives. “Developing our maritime capabilities will have ripple effects across the economy,” he noted.
Private Sector Involvement Encouraged
The minister also called on the private sector to play a more active role in the maritime strategy. He pointed out that public efforts alone will not suffice to rebuild the fleet. “We need investments from Moroccan and international shipping companies,” he said, adding that the government is considering incentives to attract private investors.
These incentives may include tax breaks, streamlined regulations, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) aimed at modernizing port infrastructure and acquiring new ships. The government is also exploring financing mechanisms to support shipowners and maritime entrepreneurs.
Looking Ahead
The international study is expected to be completed in the coming months, with initial findings guiding the development of a concrete action plan. Stakeholders from across the maritime sector, including port authorities, educational institutions, and logistics firms, are expected to contribute to the strategy’s formulation.
Kayouh concluded his address by reaffirming the government’s commitment to maritime revitalization. “This is not just a sectoral reform,” he said. “It is a national priority that requires unity, vision, and sustained effort.”
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.
