Tanger Med Port, ranked 17th among 500 container ports worldwide and 3rd for efficiency, is implementing an ambitious investment program aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. With an initial investment of $200 million, the port is responding proactively to upcoming international regulations such as the International Maritime Organization’s global carbon pricing in 2028 and the EU’s Emissions Trading System, which has been in effect since 2024. This strategy aligns with Morocco’s goal of achieving 52% renewable energy in its mix by 2030.
The port’s energy strategy focuses on four key areas: securing renewable energy, adopting clean mobility solutions, improving energy efficiency, and implementing circular resource management. Tanger Med has been operating entirely on green electricity since December 2024, thanks to collaborations with national renewable energy producers. Future plans include a floating solar plant on Oued Rmel dam projected to produce 13 MW, which will reduce water evaporation while supplying power to the port by late 2025.
To enable zero-emission operations, the port has installed an On-Shore Power Supply (OPS) along 800 meters of quay at container terminal TC4, allowing ships to shut down auxiliary engines while docked, thereby cutting CO₂ emissions significantly. This infrastructure is to be expanded to accommodate all compatible vessels, promoting sustainable practices.
Internally, Tanger Med is electrifying its vehicle fleet, with 34 electric vehicles and 10 charging stations in operation. It is also working on decarbonizing port handling equipment, which handled over 10 million containers in 2024. To enhance energy management, the port converted all public lighting to LED, reducing consumption by 55%, and initiated a smart grid system following its ISO 50001 certification.
In pursuit of a circular economy, Tanger Med has set up an integrated waste management system and processed over 17,500 tons of waste in 2024. Additionally, it operates four wastewater treatment stations and will inaugurate a solid waste sorting and recovery center in late 2025 with a capacity of 29,000 tons annually.
As global maritime energy transitions accelerate, Tanger Med is supporting shipping clients in adopting alternative fuels, in response to tightening regulations. The port has already welcomed its first methanol-powered mega-ship and is preparing to integrate these fuels into its operations, leveraging Morocco’s favorable ecosystem for hydrogen and synthetic fuel production.
To navigate the regulatory challenges associated with adoption, the port is collaborating with Moroccan authorities to integrate clean fuels into the maritime sector as part of the national “Morocco H2 Offer” initiative. The master development plan has been updated to facilitate storage and bunkering requirements for these new energy carriers. A pilot project for testing methanol and ammonia bunkering is also set to launch, aiming to establish operational procedures and build expertise among port teams for a safe transition to low-carbon fuels.
In summary, Tanger Med Port is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable port operations through ambitious investments, proactive regulatory compliance, and a commitment to innovation and circular economy practices, solidifying its role as a competitive logistics hub while addressing environmental imperatives.
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