CASABLANCA, Mar 31 – Tanger Med Port, Africa’s largest container port, is preparing for a potential surge in vessel traffic as global shipping lines reroute services away from the Middle East.
The shift follows escalating tensions in the region, which have disrupted key maritime corridors and forced major carriers to divert vessels around the Cape of Good Hope.
Global shipping giants including Maersk, Hapag–Lloyd and CMA CGM have confirmed rerouting decisions, significantly altering traditional trade routes.
According to Managing Director Idriss Aarabi, vessels taking the longer route around southern Africa could face transit delays of 10 to 14 days before reaching the port.
Located on the Strait of Gibraltar in northern Morocco, Tanger Med is focusing on capacity management and congestion prevention as it prepares for increased volumes. The full impact on cargo flows is expected to become visible between mid and late April 2026.
The disruption builds on an earlier shift away from the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, where security risks have persisted since late 2023. More recently, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has intensified the rerouting trend.
The longer voyages have increased fuel consumption and pushed freight rates higher, with carriers introducing war-risk and emergency surcharges ranging between $1,500 and $3,300 per container, and up to $4,000 for specialized cargo.
Despite the uncertainty, the evolving trade dynamics could benefit Africa’s maritime and bunkering sectors, as more ships rely on ports along the continent for refuelling and services.
Tanger Med handled 11.1 million containers in 2025, an 8.4% increase year-on-year, outperforming several Mediterranean peers. The port connects to more than 180 ports globally, reinforcing its role as a key hub in shifting global trade routes.
