A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) has confirmed the timely completion of the Phase 2 of the 1 million TEU expansion at APM Terminals (APMT) MedPort Tangier, Morocco.
The expansion in Tangier MedPort covers 18 hectares, with seven additional container stacks and an additional 400 metre of berth. Additional electric equipment, shore power, and auto-mooring are set to contribute to APMT Net Zero emissions ambition.
New equipment for Phase 2 included 14 electric automated rail mounted gantry cranes and 11 semi-automated hybrid shuttle carriers from Kalmar to support high productivity and reduce CO2 emissions.
The four new remote-controlled, Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes are reportedly among the largest in the world, with an 82-metre outreach. These dual STS cranes can handle cargo vessels of 26 containers in width – or up to 24,000 TEU container capacity.
READ: APM Terminals MedPort Tangier deploys new expansion equipment
As the terminal prepares to kick off the third phase of expansion, which will cover an additional 18 hectares and add another 400 metre of berth, Project Manager, Lionel Expert claimed that there was “zero impact to customers during the expansion”.
Phase 3 of the expansion will reportedly be fully operational by the beginning of 2025 and will increase the total capacity by an additional 1 million TEU.
READ: APM Terminals MedPort Tangier utilises virtual reality in safety training
The terminals are located in Tangier Med Port at a crossroads between Europe and Africa. Having become a key global player in a relatively short space of time, the Moroccan port and industrial complex has emerged as a strong option for multinationals looking for nearshoring operations.
Between the third quarter of 2020 and the second quarter of 2022, the deployed capacity of container ships in Morocco increased by 32.5 per cent, mostly driven by the ongoing development of Tanger Med, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Review of Maritime Transport 2022.
“This will significantly increase the capacity and turnaround efficiency of terminal operations, enabling better service to customers and improving overall customer experience through more efficient operations,” explained Keld Pedersen, Head of APMT West Med Terminals.
“International investors are being drawn to Tanger Med’s reputation for efficiency and its links to industry, with more companies also producing in Morocco to serve European and African markets,” Pedersen added.
Last week, Maersk announced its plan to launch the first of its 18 large methanol-enabled vessels currently on order.
More recently, APMT Elizabeth announced the installation of two new ZPMC Super Post-Panamax Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes.
