After the night opening of Gate No. 4 to fluidize the movements of heavy goods vehicles, the port authorities introduce minimum handling thresholds and new conditions for preparing ports of call. These measures are aimed at reducing the processing times of ships and improving the rotation of dockside posts.
The port of Casablanca extends its congestion control system to maritime operations. Two decisions signed on 28 September 2026 by Mustapha Farès, managing director of Ports du Maroc SA, entered into force on 5 October.
They concern in particular the processing of cereals and feedingstuffs and the organisation of ports of call for containers. This new regulation comes at a time when the difficulties have shifted in part from the ground to ground operations.
According to Mohamed El Jaouadi, president of the Moroccan Shipowners Association, about 60 ships were waiting in the spring, compared to about 10 to 15 in mid-September. Road hauliers continue to report significant delays within the port.
Decision DG-86/2026 sets minimum handling speeds for bulk cargo. In specialised elevators, the threshold is set at 3,000 tonnes per day per circuit. Of the ordinaryized wharves, 5 000 tonnes per day per vessel for cereals and 4 000 tonnes for feed.
Documentary preparation of ports of call is also strengthened: the scheduling of vessels shall be subject to the prior presentation of the required customs documents and bills of lading. According to the information provided, the scheme also provides for measures to be taken in the event of non-compliance with the timetables, ranging from an electronic notice to the return of the ship to the port. Recidivist operators may lose their priority docking.
Container carriers are also affected by the reorganization of ports of call. The master's office shall optimize the allocation of berths according to ship characteristics and facilitate the evacuation of empty containers. These arrangements complement the night opening of Gate 4, which was set up on 18 September from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
According to industry professionals, this measure has helped to reduce truck lines outside the port, without solving the delays inside the enclosure. Carriers refer in particular to breakdowns in handling equipment, administrative and customs formalities and waiting times, which can range from 8 to 9 hours for certain operations.
According to Adil Dahouki, managing president of the Federation of Road Transport and Ports, these constraints can reduce the activity of trucks that previously carried out two of them to a single daily rotation.
The stakes are also financial. It is estimated that the demurrage of a bulk carrier or grain can range from $20,000 to $25,000 per day after the period of deductible. Acceleration of ports of call could limit these costs, but its effectiveness will depend on the ability of carriers, receivers and storage infrastructure to keep pace with ships.
A meeting announced on 15 October will allow professionals and authorities to discuss the continuing difficulties. The evolution of waiting times, handling times and evacuation times will help to measure the effects of the system on the entire supply chain.
