Latest news with #AbdessamadKayouh
Morocco World
12 hours ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco, Turkiye Sign Transport Cooperation Agreements in Istanbul
Tangier — Morocco and Turkiye are joining forces to strengthen cooperation on road safety and maritime corridors. The two countries signed two cooperation agreements on Friday in Istanbul to foster bilateral ties in the transport sector. Morocco's Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh and Turkiye's Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu signed the memoranda of understanding (MOU) during an international transport forum. Road safety technology partnership The first agreement between the two countries covers technological cooperation in road safety, with Morocco aiming to benefit from Turkiye's experience in securing freight transport by trucks. 'Morocco is interested in the Turkish experience in securing the transport of goods via trucks,' Kayouh told Morocco's official news agency MAP. Maritime fleet development The second memorandum supports Morocco's study to strengthen its national maritime fleet, based on Turkiye's significant experience in maritime navigation and shipbuilding. 'Turkiye has accumulated important experience in maritime navigation and shipbuilding,' the minister explained. International transport forum Morocco is participating in this three-day international event, from June 27-29, with a delegation led by Kayouh, including several directors and officials from the transport and road safety sector. Initiated by the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure and the World Bank support, the event brings together high-level political decision-makers, ministers, representatives from international organizations and global financial institutions, industry and private sector leaders, and expert specialists. Focus on global transport networks The forum serves as a platform for strategic discussions on developing and improving international transport corridors. Beyond enhancing physical connectivity, the discussions cover key areas including sustainable development, green economy transition, and expanded use of renewable energy sources. Participants also explore digitization and artificial intelligence potential, innovative practices, effective financing solutions, and intensified regional cooperation on a global scale. Morocco's transport and maritime situation The signing of the MOUs comes at a time when the North African country's maritime transport fleet is experiencing a dramatic decline to only 17 vessels, down from approximately 70 ships in the 1960s and 1970s. Morocco's Ministry of Transport and Logistics has already initiated a study to reinvigorate the country's maritime capabilities, aiming to foster its logistical sovereignty and ease citizens' maritime transportation. To enhance the country's transport sector, the ministry has recently launched a comprehensive reform plan, focused on improving public safety, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing service quality across various transport modes. The reform includes the renewal of the intercity bus fleet, professional training for drivers, and support for the rural and tourism transport sectors, as well as the car rental industry. Tags: Maritime sectorMorocco Turkiye relationstransport sector
Maroc
3 days ago
- Business
- Maroc
Tangier-Tarifa: Zero-Emission Electric Maritime Link by 2027
The Spanish maritime company Baleària presented on Tuesday in Tangier a project for an electric, zero-emission maritime link between Tangier and Tarifa, operated by two high-speed electric ferries set to be launched in 2027. The presentation ceremony was attended by Morocco's Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, the Spanish Ambassador to Morocco, Enrique Ojeda, the President of the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras, the President of the Port of Tangier City, the Spanish Secretary-General for Air and Maritime Transport, and the President of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council. This public-private partnership project aims to establish a green maritime corridor between Europe and Africa, enabling a fully electric, CO2-free crossing between the two shores of the Strait. It includes the construction of two twin vessels in Spain and the installation of port infrastructure for electric charging in both Tangier and Tarifa. In a statement to MAP, Minister Kayouh stressed that strengthening the maritime fleet is part of a broader strategy to ensure smooth and sustainable mobility, particularly within the framework of the Marhaba Operation, conducted under the supervision of the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity. He noted that the ministry is supporting the operation by mobilizing around 29 vessels, offering a weekly capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles across four Moroccan ports and twelve European ports. "The goal is to make as many vessels as possible available to meet rising demand and ensure optimal crossing conditions for Moroccans living abroad," he said. For his part, Baleària's CEO, Georges Bassoul, stated that each vessel will produce 16 MW of electric power via four electric thrusters powered by batteries with a capacity of 11,500 kWh, allowing the entire crossing to be completed using electric propulsion only, with zero emissions. In a detailed presentation of the project's technical aspects, Bassoul emphasized that these will be fully decarbonized crossings, meeting 2050 sustainability goals as early as 2027. MAP: 24 June 2025
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Maritime Fleet Declines to 17 Ships, Government Plans Revival Strategy
Marrakech – Morocco's maritime transport fleet has dramatically declined to just 17 vessels, down from approximately 70 ships in the 1960s and 1970s, according to Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh. Kayouh made his remarks during Monday's oral questions session at the House of Representatives. 'Most of these vessels are owned by foreign operators,' Kayouh noted, stressing the severity of the decline. In response to the royal speech on the 48th anniversary of the Green March, the ministry has initiated a comprehensive study to revitalize Morocco's maritime capabilities. The initiative aims to facilitate the movement of Moroccan citizens and enhance the country's logistical sovereignty. The strategic study involves multiple government departments through a steering committee. Key participants include the Ministries of Equipment and Water, Industry and Trade, Energy Transition, Finance, Interior, and Investment – all with direct roles in maritime transport operations. Kayouh promised that ministry officials would complete the study within a month. 'The results will be published for the public to develop a roadmap for upgrading the maritime transport sector,' he confirmed. Abderrahman El Amri, a member of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), corroborated the minister's figures. He specified that 'Morocco's fleet of commercial ships in the 1980s was 73 ships before sharply declining to 11 ships in 2020,' attributing this decrease to 'the accumulation of company debts.' El Amri further explained that 'the percentage of foreign trade conducted via Moroccan commercial ships does not exceed 5 percent only, which is very unfortunate.' He pointed out that maritime connectivity is a fundamental factor in the success of the Atlantic Initiative launched by King Mohammed VI and in strengthening maritime links with African coastal countries. Regarding the ministry's strategy to reduce maritime transport ticket prices for Moroccans living abroad, Kayouh reported that preparations for Operation Marhaba 2025 include ensuring capacity and securing various transportation services. For maritime transport specifically, 29 vessels will be available with a weekly capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles, distributed across 13 maritime lines. This translates to 7.5 million passengers, 2 million vehicles, and 7,800 weekly trips. For air transport, Kayouh revealed that the ministry is working with various operators. They have authorized 59 airlines to secure approximately 2,235 flights between Moroccan airports and 141 international airports. The Atlantic African region faces serious challenges related to resource sustainability and security that require robust maritime governance. Effective maritime management is essential for the region, which benefits from an exceptional ocean frontage. These maritime capabilities are increasingly vital for Morocco's strategic initiatives and economic competitiveness, particularly as the country seeks to strengthen its logistical sovereignty and facilitate smoother trade exchanges in a context where these have become national priorities.
Maroc
4 days ago
- Business
- Maroc
'Marhaba': Morocco Prepares for Transit of 7.5 Million Passengers, 2 Million Vehicles via 13 Maritime Routes- Minister
The Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, announced on Monday at the House of Representatives that, in preparation for the 'Marhaba' operation, his department has taken a range of measures, in close coordination with all stakeholders, to ensure the transport of 7.5 million passengers and 2 million vehicles via 13 maritime routes. In response to a question on "transport fares across all modes," Kayouh stated that 29 ships have been mobilized, with a weekly capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles, distributed over 13 maritime lines, totaling 7.5 million travelers, 2 million vehicles, and 7,800 crossings. He added that authorizations have been granted to 59 airline companies to operate approximately 2,135 weekly flights between Moroccan airports and 141 international airports. Kayouh also noted that the Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has mobilized four additional aircraft for the summer period and will offer a total of 6.6 million seats- an increase of 700,000 seats compared to 2024- reflecting RAM's commitment and involvement in efforts to facilitate the return of Moroccans residing abroad. The minister recalled that, as part of its strategic choices, the Kingdom adopted the 'Open Sky' policy in 2006 - a decision that has paid off, with over 50 airline companies, including several low-cost carriers, now operating in Morocco and connecting the country to numerous destinations, mainly in Europe. MAP: 23 June 2025
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Marhaba 2025: Morocco Prepares to Facilitate Travel of 7.5 Million Passengers
Rabat – Morocco's Ministry of Transport announced a strategy to facilitate the travel of 7.5 million passengers and two million vehicles across 13 maritime routes as part of the 2025 Marhaba Operation. Minister of Transport Abdessamad Kayouh announced on Monday the news at the House of Representatives, noting that 29 ships have been mobilized with a weekly capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles spread across 13 maritime lines. Authorizations have also been granted to 59 airlines to operate around 2,135 weekly flights between Moroccan airports and 141 international airports. Kayouh also commented on Royal Air Maroc's deployment and contribution to the operation, noting that the carrier mobilized four additional aircraft for the summer season. It will offer a total of 6.6 million seats, an increase of 700,000 seats compared to 2024, the minister said, adding that Royal Air Maroc's summer program reflects the carrier's commitment and support for efforts to facilitate the return of Moroccans living abroad. Morocco adopted the 'Open Sky' policy in 2006, a decision that has contributed to the logistics sector with over 50 airlines, including several low-cost carriers. Marhaba operation is an annual initiative that Morocco launches to facilitate the transit of Moroccans from June to September. Last year, Moroccan authorities stressed that over 2.8 million passengers, including 2 million Moroccans living abroad and 662,000 vehicles, transited through Moroccan ports during last year's edition.
