SOMAPORT Celebrates 20 Years of Excellence and Strengthens Its Role in Morocco’s Port Modernization

SOMAPORT celebrated its 20th anniversary on October 17, 2026, in Casablanca, marking two decades of investment, infrastructure modernization, and human capital development. As part of the international Terminal Link network, the port operator is accelerating its operational and technological transformation to enhance the competitiveness of the Port of Casablanca and support Morocco’s growing logistics ambitions.

SOMAPORT commemorated twenty years of industrial and port operations during a ceremony held on October 17, 2026, in Casablanca, in partnership with the Moroccan Labour Union (UMT). The event brought together institutional representatives, business partners, employees, and former staff members to celebrate the company’s achievements and reaffirm its commitment to Morocco’s maritime and logistics development.

Established in 2006 amid major structural reforms of Morocco’s port sector, SOMAPORT has played a role in the modernization of port infrastructure, the professionalization of cargo-handling operations, and the introduction of more efficient port management practices.

The company’s integration into the international CMA CGM Group in 2007, followed by the launch of its operations at the Port of Casablanca in 2009, marked significant milestones in its development.

In 2012, SOMAPORT joined Terminal Link, an international network specializing in port terminal operations. This strategic move strengthened its access to technical expertise, international operating standards, and global best practices in maritime logistics.

These developments enabled SOMAPORT to consolidate its position in an increasingly competitive environment, where operational efficiency, equipment reliability, and logistics cost optimization have become essential drivers of performance.

Strategic Investments to Support Trade Growth

Over the past two decades, SOMAPORT has implemented several investment programs aimed at adapting its infrastructure to the evolving requirements of international maritime transport.

Between 2018 and 2023, the company continued upgrading its marine infrastructure and deepening its port facilities to improve vessel accommodation and respond to changes in ship dimensions and technical requirements.

Today, SOMAPORT operates two complementary terminals at the Port of Casablanca. Its container terminal has an announced annual nominal capacity of 450,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), while its multipurpose terminal handles general cargo and oversized shipments, with an annual capacity of two million tonnes.

This operational complementarity allows the company to serve a broad range of maritime trade stakeholders, including industrial manufacturers, importers, exporters, and logistics service providers.

The year 2024 marked another important milestone in the modernization of SOMAPORT’s facilities, with the completion of quay reinforcement and deepening works designed to improve vessel-handling conditions and increase operational efficiency.

These investments were accompanied by the commissioning of a new ship-to-shore (STS) container crane and the acquisition of five hybrid rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, aimed at improving productivity, operational flexibility, and energy efficiency.

According to figures released by the company, SOMAPORT handled more than 480,000 TEUs in 2025, exceeding the announced nominal annual capacity of its container terminal.

This performance reflects the intensive utilization of its facilities and highlights the importance of continued investment in equipment modernization, productivity enhancement, and operational reliability.

Beyond increasing cargo volumes, SOMAPORT aims to improve service quality, reduce cargo-processing times, and contribute to greater efficiency across national and international supply chains.

Human Capital at the Heart of Two Decades of Success

SOMAPORT placed particular emphasis on recognizing its workforce during its twentieth-anniversary celebrations, highlighting human capital as a cornerstone of its development.

In an industry where performance depends on both technological capabilities and professional expertise, the contribution of employees across different generations and disciplines has been instrumental in maintaining operational continuity and supporting the company’s transformation.

The anniversary ceremony, organized in partnership with the Moroccan Labour Union, provided an opportunity to honor retired employees and recognize their contributions to the company’s development.

It also highlighted the importance of knowledge transfer, professional training, and intergenerational cooperation.

A collective mural illustrating the major milestones in SOMAPORT’s history symbolized the lasting contributions of the generations of employees who have shaped the company.

Held under the theme “20 Years of History, a Collective Success,” the celebration emphasized that infrastructure modernization and operational performance are inseparable from workforce development, occupational safety, social dialogue, and employee commitment.

Speaking on the occasion, Jérôme Bodet, Managing Director of SOMAPORT, stressed that the anniversary represented far more than the commemoration of a company’s development.

He explained that the past twenty years reflected a human and industrial journey built on commitment, expertise, and the determination of the company’s teams.

According to the Managing Director, every milestone achieved and every challenge overcome bears the imprint of the women and men who have contributed to making SOMAPORT what it is today.

He also emphasized the importance of building on this legacy to continue transforming the company and ensure its long-term sustainability.

Future priorities include new investments, equipment modernization, expanded staff training programs, and continued participation in initiatives designed to strengthen the competitiveness of the Port of Casablanca.

Casablanca: A Strategic Hub for Morocco’s Logistics Competitiveness

SOMAPORT’s anniversary comes at a time when Morocco is continuing to modernize its port and logistics infrastructure against a backdrop of profound changes in international trade and the restructuring of global value and supply chains.

As business requirements become more demanding and delivery times increasingly influence commercial competitiveness, ports must strengthen operational efficiency, expand technical capabilities, and improve service quality for importers and exporters.

The Port of Casablanca continues to occupy a strategic position within Morocco’s foreign trade system, benefiting from its close links with the country’s major industrial, commercial, and consumer markets.

In this context, SOMAPORT’s investments have an economic significance extending beyond traditional cargo-handling activities.

They contribute to improving the performance of Morocco’s national logistics chain and strengthening the competitiveness of Moroccan businesses in international markets.

Digital transformation, equipment renewal, operational safety, and environmental sustainability are expected to remain central priorities in the coming years.

The acquisition of hybrid gantry cranes illustrates the company’s commitment to more energy-efficient technologies at a time when the global maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions.

SOMAPORT is therefore seeking to combine economic performance, operational excellence, and environmental responsibility while maintaining high standards of service quality.

Twenty Years of Experience to Build the Future

After two decades of operations, SOMAPORT is reaffirming its commitment to supporting the development of the Port of Casablanca and contributing to Morocco’s broader logistics strategy.

Drawing on its industrial experience, international network, and workforce expertise, the company aims to respond effectively to emerging challenges in maritime transport and global supply chains.

In an environment characterized by growing competition between port platforms, technological transformation, and the need to optimize logistics costs, SOMAPORT’s ability to invest, innovate, and mobilize its human resources will be crucial to maintaining and strengthening its market position.

The company’s long-term ambitions also align with Morocco’s broader efforts to improve trade connectivity, support industrial competitiveness, and strengthen the efficiency of its port infrastructure.

SOMAPORT’s twentieth anniversary is therefore more than a celebration of corporate history. It represents the beginning of a new chapter of industrial ambition, focused on building a more efficient, competitive, and sustainable Moroccan logistics ecosystem capable of reinforcing the Kingdom’s integration into global trade networks.

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