Manuel Gavira, spokesperson for VOX in Andalusia and deputy for Cádiz, noted that several major shipping companies have already shifted operations to Tanger Med. The case of Danish giant Maersk is seen as a wake-up call: the global leader in container shipping moved its activities from Algeciras to Morocco’s port complex, drawn by lower operating costs compared to European ports. Gavira argues this decision has had immediate repercussions, including a drop in traffic, declining tax revenues and a threat to jobs in the region.
The Andalusian deputy also lashed out at Brussels, accusing the European Union of fueling this trend by providing €300 million in funding for the construction of Nador West Med. He argued this policy weakens Spanish infrastructure in favor of Morocco. Gavira further criticized the agreement signed by Andalusian president Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla with the Tangier region, calling it a retreat from the Campo de Gibraltar.
Tanger Med, the flagship of Morocco’s success, has now become a central point of political debate in Spain. The far-right VOX party openly fears that shipping giants like Maersk will continue abandoning Algeciras in favor of Morocco. Adding to their concern is the rise of Nador West Med, backed by international financing and poised to further strengthen Morocco’s logistics offer. This prospect has stirred anxiety among Andalusian officials, who worry about losing economic influence and jobs to their southern neighbor.
Critics in Spain also point to Morocco’s competitive advantage compared to Europe, which is weighed down by environmental regulations and higher operating costs. While the European Union grapples with its own constraints, Morocco has pursued a clear strategy: heavy investment, modernized terminals and an attractive framework for shipping companies.
The figures speak for themselves: in less than twenty years, Tanger Med has doubled Algeciras’ activity, establishing itself as an essential hub between Europe, Africa and the Americas. More than a logistical achievement, it is a demonstration of Morocco’s ability to anticipate the future and position itself at the crossroads of global trade.
Confronted with this Moroccan breakthrough, VOX is now calling for a revamp of Spain’s port policy and stronger rail connections for Algeciras. But the reality is clear: Morocco has taken the lead, the result of a strategic vision driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has made Tanger Med and its extensions a cornerstone of national development and international influence.
What some in Spain perceive as a threat is, in truth, nothing more than the undeniable recognition of Morocco’s success. The Kingdom has become an indispensable player in global maritime trade – and nothing seems capable of slowing its upward trajectory.
Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid’s French article- le7tv