Morocco’s ambition to cement its status as a leading industrial hub in Africa has taken a major step forward with the development of a massive new shipyard in Casablanca.
The $300 million project, spanning 21 hectares along the Atlantic coast, is expected to serve as a strategic center for shipbuilding and maintenance, catalyzing growth across the maritime sector and drawing significant foreign investment.
According to multiple sources, South Korean conglomerate Hyundai Heavy Industries is emerging as the frontrunner to win the lucrative construction contract.
The company’s bid has garnered strong interest from Moroccan officials, bolstered by its strategic partnership with Somagec, a key player in Morocco’s maritime landscape.
This collaboration not only enhances the bid’s technical credibility but also aligns with the government’s emphasis on skills transfer and local capacity building.
While other international contenders remain in the race, Hyundai’s proposal is reportedly distinguished by its track record in developing modern, high-tech shipyards and its ability to deliver sophisticated engineering solutions on time and within budget.
The Casablanca project is seen as a transformative venture for the Moroccan economy, with far-reaching implications across multiple sectors.
Its construction and eventual operation are anticipated to generate significant employment, both directly and through secondary industries such as metallurgy, engineering services, and port logistics.
Authorities in Rabat view the shipyard as central to Morocco’s drive for industrial sovereignty, with the added potential of positioning the country as a maritime service leader in the wider Maghreb and West African regions.
A final decision on the contract award is expected in the coming weeks.
Should Hyundai Heavy Industries secure the deal, preparatory work on the site and the deployment of technical teams could begin almost immediately, setting the stage for one of North Africa’s most significant industrial developments in recent years.
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