While attacks by Houthi rebels are seriously disrupting global maritime traffic, Morocco, whose ports are chosen by European industrialists, is taking advantage of the security crisis in the Red Sea.
The security crisis in the Red Sea is leading to changes in itineraries. Many shipping companies are therefore turning to Mediterranean ports, including those of Casablanca and Tanger Med, which have become hubs, reports the newspaper Les Inspirations Éco, citing Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI). According to maritime transport professionals, this crisis benefits Morocco. “Of course, the risk of congestion at the ports has not been ruled out but, for the moment, Moroccan ports have the situation under control and are managing to manage the significant flow of ships docking. Competitiveness and quality of output remain an asset,” confirms Aziz Mantrach, vice president of ASMEX and president of the association’s logistics commission. Another situation: is the surge in container prices. “Today, prices are showing yet another increase. According to our information, the price of the 40-foot container would have reached $6,000 and that of 20 feet amounts to $3,000,” reports the World Container Index (WCI) of Drewry. For his part, expert Najib Cherfaoui says he is convinced of Morocco’s capacity to offer other equally attractive alternatives. As an example, he cites the port of Dakhla, coveted by certain major local shipowners.
Increased demand is behind the expected increase. But there is a shortage of empty containers. “To address this persistent crisis, shipping companies have recently deployed ships with greater capacity to be able to meet demand,” reports the Drewry World Container Index (WCI). Ultimately, the security crisis in the Red Sea has hurt the international shipping economy due to a surge in freight rates and maritime insurance costs, it is noted.
