Morocco Sails High: Ninth Strongest Merchant Fleet in the MENA Region
Morocco has secured its place as a major player in the global maritime landscape, ranking as the ninth strongest merchant fleet in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for 2024. This impressive achievement highlights the country’s commitment to developing its maritime infrastructure and its strategic location connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
While the original article doesn’t specify the source of this ranking, it’s important to note that several organizations track and rank merchant fleets globally. These include the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and Clarksons Research, a leading provider of maritime data and intelligence.
Factors considered in these rankings typically include:
Fleet size: This refers to the total number of vessels owned by a country, often measured in deadweight tonnage (DWT), which represents the carrying capacity of ships.
Vessel types: Different types of ships, such as container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers, serve different purposes and contribute to a country’s overall maritime trade capabilities.
* Fleet age: A modern and well-maintained fleet is crucial for efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability.
Morocco’s strategic location on the Strait of Gibraltar, a key maritime chokepoint, has undoubtedly contributed to its growing merchant fleet. The country’s ports, including the Tanger Med port complex, are major hubs for international trade, handling millions of containers and tons of cargo annually.
Tanger Med, in particular, has emerged as a major transshipment hub, connecting Africa to global trade routes. Its strategic location and modern infrastructure have attracted significant investments from major shipping lines, further bolstering Morocco’s maritime prowess.
This ranking is a testament to Morocco’s ongoing efforts to modernize its maritime sector and strengthen its position as a key player in global trade. As the country continues to invest in its ports, logistics infrastructure, and maritime workforce, its merchant fleet is poised for continued growth and success in the years to come.
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