Project Official selection 2024

Tangier City Port Area Reconversion

A project supported by: The Development Company for the Reconversion of Tangier City Port area (SAPT SA)

Completion date: 2021 (Maritime component: cruising, yatching, ferry and fishing – Medina rehabilitation), 2022 (development of three cultural sites)

To sum up

The conversion project of Tangier port is part of an overall strategy to support the economic, social, cultural and tourism transformation of the Kingdom of Morocco. The relocation of almost all commercial activities from the port of Tangier to the port of Tangier Med has relieved congestion in the urban area and reoriented the historic port of Tangier towards tourism and leisure activities. This has led to the development of a new waterfront, integrated into the city, helping to strengthen Tangier’s economic potential, cultural dynamism and, urban sustainability.

The project aims to link the sea to the city and position Tangier as a leading destination for cruise and yachting tourism. It notably includes:

  • Extension and modernisation of the the ferry terminal.
  • Extension of the cruise quays to accommodate a larger number of ships.
  • Construction of an artisans’ village near the ferry terminal, a marina with a capacity of 1400 boats and, a new fishing port.
  • Rehabilitation and enhancement of outstanding elements of Moroccan heritage, such as the walls of the Medina and, the fortifications of Tangier.
  • Public spaces development.

The project also includes an urban component, which will be completed by 2028. This will include the construction of housing, offices, hotel complexes, a convention centre, a shopping centre, aquatic facilities and a cable car.

Design:

  • The Master Plan: Architect & Urbanist Reichen & Robert Associés – Paris
  • Marina & Harbour Master Tower: Architect Ferrater – Barcelona & Architect Mesmoudi – Casablanca
  • Maritime Station: Architects Mountassir & Bennani – Morocco
  • Fishing port / Mosque: Architects Crearchi & Bennani – Morocco
  • The Medina Fortifications and Walls restoration: Architect Bernard Guesquiere & Archaeologist Patrimonium consult – Tangier
  • Landscape: Architect Landscaper Olga Tarraso – Barcelona
  • Urban Component: Master Plan, NELSEN PARTNERS Architect & Planners – USA Landscaper: CRACKNEL – UK

Positioning of the project in relation to the Agenda 2030’s goals*

*According to the Development Company for the Reconversion of Tangier City Port area (SAPT SA)

Directly relatedIndirectly relatedNot related
Goal 1: Climate change adaptationx
Goal 2: Energy transition & circular economyx
Goal 3: Sustainable mobilityx
Goal 4: Renewed governancex
Goal 5: Investing in humanx
Goal 6: Port Culture & Identityx
Goal 7: Quality food for allx
Goal 8: Port city interfacex
Goal 9: Health & life qualityx
Goal 10: Protecting biodiversityx

 Learn more about the AIVP commitment: Commitment – AIVP

Outstanding features:

  • Working groups set up with tourism industry professionals to involve all stakeholders and gather recommendations for better cruising and yachting activities development.
  • Emphasis on sustainability and respect for the environment through the installation of photovoltaic shelters, the reuse of demolition materials and dredging sand, the monitoring of waste and sediments, and the setting up of a waste recovery unit.
  • Creation of a scientific committee comprising historians, archaeologists, representatives of civil society, local authorities, architects, scenographers and port representatives to oversee the restoration and enhancement of the Tangier Medina.
  • Development of a Port Center in the historic former Customs building, offering visitors a space to discover the history of the port of Tangier (from 1471 to the present day) through a combination of photos, films and historical articles. The center also serves as an educational space for schools and universities.
  • Improvement of working conditions for fishermen and integrating deep-sea, inshore and artisanal fishing.

Images of the project

About the Development Company for the Reconversion of Tangier City Port area (SAPT SA)

Initiated by His Majesty the King Mohammed VI, SAPT was established in 2010 to develop and convert Tangier City Port area into a leading destination for cruising and yachting tourism. Based on sustainable development and urban innovation, SAPT aspired to transform the port area into a dynamic, multi-purpose center fostering economic prosperity and community well-being. In 2012, SGPTV, a joint subsidiary of SAPT and the Port National Agency was created to develop cruise, yachting, and ferry activities.

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