Tangier City Port Redevelopment Project

The Tangier City port redevelopment project¹ transforms Tangier’s old cargo port into a modern, mixed-use waterfront development with cruising and yachting facilities.² This transformation was accompanied by the opening of the New Tangier Med Port,ⁱ which shifted industrial activities away from the old port between 2006 and 2010 and freed it from cargo transport operations.³
The project is guided by two main visions: “Bringing the sea to the city” and “Uniting the port with the city”.⁴ Hence, the project aims to integrate the historic Medina neighborhood with its coastline⁵ and transform the area into a vibrant tourist destination⁶ by creating a dynamic mixed-use development accessible to all,⁷ and establishing an international hub for cruising and yachting tourism.⁸

To implement these objectives, a comprehensive master plan was developed for an area of 1.6 square kilometers⁹ in Tangier’s city center, adjacent to the old Medina.¹⁰ The plan divides the project into two main zones: the port zone, spanning 0.76 square kilometers,¹¹ and the urban zone, covering 0.84 square kilometers.¹² The main land use components of each zone in the master plan are as follows:

The urban zone consists of:

• Residential buildings (0.08 square kilometers) and office spaces (0.02 square kilometers),¹³ located between two marina basins make it an ideal location for boaters in transit or seeking permanent residence.¹⁴
• The commercial area (0.05 square kilometers)¹⁵ includes a large commercial center (0.03 square kilometers) and shops and boutiques (0.02 square kilometers). These spaces will house brand-name stores, yacht showrooms, cafés, restaurants, entertainment venues, and arts and crafts facilities.¹⁶
• Five public spaces, covering a total area of 0.3 square kilometers,¹⁷ are integral to the urban zone. These include Place Bab Al Marsa, which links the old port and the Medina;¹⁸ Place du Large, a multi-purpose site for strolling and cultural events;¹⁹ Place de la Presqu’île, featuring promenades and diverse activities;²⁰ Le Parc du Port, designed as the green heart of the project;²¹ and Place of the Mosque, connecting the fishing port area with the rest of the development.²²
• The urban zone also incorporates 0.1 square kilometers of road space and 0.3 square kilometers of port facilities.²³

The port zone comprises several key components:

• Three berths for cruise ship activities (360 meters, 270 meters, and 260 meters).²⁴ These berths were constructed between 2011 and 2016.²⁵
• Three berths dedicated to fast ferry activities.²⁶
• Yachting facilities include a new yacht harbor with a capacity of 1,080 mooring berths and rehabilitating the old fishing harbor into a yacht harbor with 530 mooring berths.²⁷
• A new fishing port to support local fishing activities.²⁸

To enhance accessibility, the project includes a cable car transportation system.²⁹ This system will handle 2,800 passengers per hour over a 2-kilometer distance, connecting the Kasbah, cruise terminal, marinas, and Place Faro.³⁰

It is worth noting that the development has been certified by the National Environmental Impact Evaluation Commission,ⁱⁱ ensuring that site development activities will be environmentally friendly. For instance, sand dredged during the new marina construction will replenish various beaches in the Bay of Tangiers. The vegetation system in the reconverted port will feature species adapted to Tangier’s bioclimatic characteristics.³¹ Moreover, iconic buildings in the port area will be restored and repurposed to preserve the existing atmosphere, while nearby monuments will be enhanced.³²

The “Tanger City Port Development Society” (SAPT)³³ initiated the project in 2010.³⁴ SAPT’s principal shareholders include the State of Morocco, the Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development, the City of Tangiers, the National Ports Agency (ANP), and the Agency for the Promotion and Economic and Social Development of the Northern Provinces of Morocco.³⁵ SAPT (49% owned) and ANP (51% owned) created a joint venture company called “Tanger City Port Management Company” (SGPTV),ⁱⁱⁱ responsible for developing infrastructure and managing operations for cruise, recreational sailing, and ferry activities under a fifty-year concession agreement.³⁶ The project’s master plan was designed by the consulting firm Carta – Reichen Et Robert Associés.³⁷ The project’s total cost is estimated at over $632 million, primarily funded by the state of Morocco, Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development.