Moroccan ports are becoming key energy platforms for green hydrogen, at the heart of a national strategy that aims to make the Kingdom a major hub for decarbonized fuels. This momentum is based on a strategic port network, a structured hydrogen roadmap, and proximity to European markets.
Moroccan Ports, New Gateways to Green Hydrogen
A recent report supported by the World Bank highlights four ports as pivotal to the future sector: Tangier Med, Mohammedia, Jorf Lasfar, and the planned port area of Tan-Tan. Together, they form a complete chain from the production to the processing, storage, and export of fuels derived from green hydrogen (ammonia, methanol, e-fuels, etc.).
Thanks to their location on major shipping routes connecting the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and Europe, these ports offer Morocco a decisive geographical advantage in meeting the growing demand for decarbonized fuels, particularly in maritime transport. The country is thus capitalizing on decades of port and logistics investments to reposition itself as a key player in the global energy transition.
The specific strengths of Tangier Med, Mohammedia, Jorf Lasfar, and Tan-Tan
The various ports studied play complementary roles in the development of the hydrogen sector:
- Tangier Med: Africa’s leading container port, already a hub for conventional bunkering (approximately 1.5 million tons of fossil fuels per year), is poised to become a bunkering hub for green marine fuels.
- Mohammedia: a historic oil port, it has significant storage potential, notably thanks to nearby salt caverns suitable for large volumes of hydrogen or its derivatives at competitive costs.
- Jorf Lasfar: a major industrial hub, already specializing in handling fossil ammonia for the OCP Group, is ideally suited for transitioning to green ammonia and decarbonizing the fertilizer sector.
- Tan-Tan: a planned future port area, located near exceptional solar and wind energy resources, where green hydrogen production costs would be 25 to 38% lower than in other regions of the country.
This complementarity strengthens Morocco’s capacity to structure a truly integrated value chain, from renewable electricity production to the export of high value-added products.
A national strategy to become an energy hub
In 2021, Morocco adopted a roadmap dedicated to green hydrogen, with the ambition of becoming a key player in the global market by 2030-2050. This strategy is based on three ramp-up phases (preparation phase, take-off phase, and then massification phase), combining investments in renewable energy, industrial development, and transport infrastructure.
The “Offre Maroc” initiative, launched in 2024, mobilizes over 319 billion dirhams to encourage integrated projects ranging from solar and wind farms to hydrogen and hydrogen derivative production units, including ports. The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN) and the GreenH2 cluster play a central coordinating role between public and private stakeholders to prevent the fragmentation of projects.
A booming demand driven by Europe and the maritime sector
The potential demand for green hydrogen and its derivatives is largely driven by the European Union, which plans to import massive volumes to meet its climate objectives, notably through the REPowerEU initiative. Given its geographical proximity, competitive production costs, and port infrastructure, Morocco is well-positioned to capture a significant share of these flows.
Ships calling at Moroccan ports could consume up to 0.2 million tons of hydrogen equivalent in 2030, then 2.83 million tons by 2050, according to a median scenario. A large portion of these volumes is expected to be exported as green ammonia or methanol for maritime use, reinforcing the role of Moroccan ports as regional export hubs.
Issues and Challenges of a Large-Scale Transition
While the prospects are promising, several structural challenges remain to be addressed to solidify Morocco’s position as a green hydrogen hub.
- Massive financing of port and logistics infrastructure (terminals, tanks, conversion units).
- Adaptation of regulatory and fiscal frameworks to make green fuels competitive with fossil fuels.
- Upgrading of local skills through the training of specialized engineers, technicians, and operators.
- Signing of long-term export contracts with European and international partners to secure demand.
- Close coordination between port projects, industrial zones, and renewable energy parks to avoid technical or land-related bottlenecks.
These challenges demonstrate that the issue is not limited to hydrogen production, but rather involves organizing an entire industrial, logistical, and regulatory ecosystem around the ports.
Towards a New Geo-Energy Role for Morocco
By positioning its ports at the heart of the hydrogen sector, Morocco is gradually redefining its role on the regional and global energy stage. The country is no longer content to be merely a maritime corridor, but aspires to become an energy hub capable of producing, processing, and distributing green fuels to Europe and Africa.
If the announced investments materialize and international partnerships multiply, Moroccan ports could, in the medium term, become a showcase for a successful energy transition, combining economic growth, industrial innovation, and emissions reduction. This movement could inspire other African countries that also possess significant renewable energy potential and strategic coastlines.
