Maersk unveils Tangier-Casablanca rail link to ease port congestion

To address growing operational bottlenecks and enhance trade flows across North Africa, Maersk has introduced an integrated rail service connecting Tangier and Casablanca. The new intermodal transport solution aims to optimise logistics for Moroccan supply chains, offering customers an agile, reliable, and predictable corridor to move goods into the country’s key economic centres.

The Port of Casablanca has historically served as one of the most critical maritime hubs in Africa. According to recent figures from the National Ports Agency, the facility is showing no signs of slowing down in 2026, having processed 17 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of the year alone. In June 2026, cargo throughput reached 3.53 million tonnes, marking a remarkable 32% year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2025.

While Casablanca accounts for approximately 35% of Morocco’s overall port traffic, this immense volume has introduced persistent operational challenges. Shippers and logistics operators frequently encounter severe gateway congestion and limited operational flexibility, impacting supply chain predictability across the region.

To tackle these infrastructure pressures, Maersk is implementing measures that reshape Morocco's logistics backbone. The strategic approach positions Tangier as the primary maritime gateway into Morocco, linking it directly to Casablanca through a high-frequency rail service. While Casablanca remains Morocco's premier industrial and commercial hub, Tangier has established itself as one of the most connected ports in the region, serving as a natural bridge between Morocco and global markets. Maersk’s extensive ocean network reinforces this connectivity, providing frequent vessel connections between Tangier and major worldwide trade routes to ensure cargo moves seamlessly across international destinations.

By integrating Tangier and Casablanca into a unified proposition, supply chain managers can unlock enhanced reliability, flexibility, and operational efficiency. The rail link between the two strategic hubs is fully operational today. With regular departures and consistent, predictable transit times, the service empowers businesses to optimise inventory management, refine operational planning, and maintain a steady flow of goods.

Furthermore, Maersk’s end-to-end integration extends beyond maritime and rail transport. The company provides shippers with a single point of contact across the entire logistics journey. Beginning with the ocean leg into Tangier and proceeding via dedicated rail to Casablanca, the comprehensive solution also incorporates flexible customs clearance options, inland storage capabilities, and final-mile delivery by truck.

This rail corridor also serves a vital role in building more resilient and diversified trade connections between Morocco and Europe. By providing a robust intermodal alternative, the initiative reduces dependency on any single mode of transport and enhances overall supply chain agility.

Commenting on the launch, Ruben Moratinos, Head of Sales Maghreb, Maersk, highlighted the customer-centric focus of the new intermodal offering: "What excites me most about this solution is that it addresses a challenge we hear from customers every day. By bringing Tangier and Casablanca together, we're creating a simpler way to move cargo into Morocco's main commercial center. Customers benefit from broader access to global trade flows, more choices in how they manage their supply chains, and a solution that can support growth as their business evolves."

As trade volumes expand throughout the region, the Tangier-Casablanca rail corridor provides a practical framework for businesses navigating port congestion and rising cargo demand. By pairing Tangier's global maritime reach with Casablanca's commercial density, the initiative establishes a predictable, integrated, and resilient logistics model poised to support future growth in Morocco and beyond.