Morocco’s Tanger Med, the largest container port in Africa, is getting ready for a potential rise in vessel traffic as shipping companies redirect routes away from the Middle East and around the African coastline.
Top shipping firms such as Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM have started rerouting ships from the Suez Canal due to growing security concerns along major maritime corridors. This adjustment is sending vessels on the longer path via the Cape of Good Hope, altering established global trade patterns.
Idriss Aarabi, Managing Director of Tanger Med, said that the port may experience an increase in ship arrivals, although the full scale of the impact is still unfolding.
He noted that the complete effect on cargo movement is unlikely to be seen until between mid and late April 2026, adding that there have been no shipment cancellations recorded so far.
These developments reflect broader disruptions along one of the busiest global trade routes. Since late 2023, attacks on vessels in the Red Sea have forced operators to steer clear of both the Suez Canal and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
More recent geopolitical tensions, including military actions by the United States and Israel targeting Iran, alongside reports of a shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, have further accelerated the shift.
For ports like Tanger Med, strategically positioned at the gateway to the Mediterranean, this situation could lead to increased ship traffic and a stronger role in global supply chains.
However, the rerouting comes with drawbacks. Ships taking the alternative route are spending an additional 10 to 14 days at sea, raising fuel consumption and putting pressure on available shipping capacity.
In response, shipping companies have introduced extra charges, including war-risk premiums and deviation fees ranging from $1,500 to $3,300 per container, and up to about $4,000 for specialised cargo, according to Aarabi.
Port authorities say their priority is to manage the expected rise in volumes efficiently while preventing congestion as traffic patterns evolve.
Tanger Med processed 11.1 million containers in 2025, marking an 8.4% increase compared to the previous year, outperforming several Mediterranean competitors and strengthening its position as a major link between Africa, Europe, and global markets.
If the current disruptions continue, analysts predict that more shipping routes and related services, such as marine fuel supply, will increasingly shift toward Africa, presenting both growth opportunities and operational challenges for ports across the continent.