APM Completes Expansion of MedPort Tangier Ahead of Gemini Launch
Medport Tangier: A Hub for Future Growth
Medport Tangier is poised for significant growth as it adapts to changing maritime routes. With an increase in vessel traffic due to rerouting from the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea, the terminal is preparing for a new phase of operations. APM Terminals has recently completed a multi-year expansion project, enhancing the terminal’s capacity and efficiency. This growth aligns with the upcoming launch of the Gemini Cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, set for 2025. The new partnership aims to establish Medport Tangier as a key hub in the east-west trade network.
Expansion and Technological Advancements
APM Terminals operates two terminals in Morocco, with Medport Tangier being a focal point for the new operational strategy. The recent expansion has added an impressive 1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) of capacity, bringing the terminal’s total to 5.2 million TEU annually. This increase is complemented by an expanded berth measuring over 6,500 feet, which now includes an additional 1,300 feet and 18 hectares of space with seven new container stacks.
The expansion project, which began in December 2023, introduced advanced technologies designed to improve operational efficiency. Among these are 14 electric automated rail-mounted gantry cranes and 11 semi-automated hybrid shuttle carriers. Notably, the terminal has also installed four remote-controlled ship-to-shore cranes, among the largest globally, with an impressive reach of 82 meters (269 feet). This capability allows the terminal to handle vessels with a 26-container width or those with a capacity of up to 24,000 TEU.
One of the standout features of this expansion is the innovative auto-mooring system. This system utilizes vacuum pads to streamline the mooring and release process for vessels. APM Terminals estimates that idle times for ships will be reduced to around 15 minutes upon arrival and departure, saving a total of approximately one hour of idle time. This improvement not only enhances operational efficiency but also significantly reduces the need for tug operations, leading to a projected decrease in direct emissions by over 90% during ship berthing.
Operational Efficiency and Future Prospects
The completion of the expansion at Medport Tangier marks a pivotal moment for APM Terminals as it prepares for the upcoming operational ramp-up in 2025. The company anticipates that the disruptions in the Red Sea will persist, making the Moroccan ports increasingly vital for maritime trade. The new Gemini Cooperation will leverage Medport Tangier’s enhanced capabilities to create a robust network of trade routes across the Mediterranean.
With the introduction of the auto-mooring system, APM Terminals expects to see a significant boost in productivity. The system’s active hydraulics reduce vessel motion, which positively impacts crane operations. Currently, the terminal achieves productivity levels exceeding 34 crane moves per hour on larger vessels. As a result of these advancements, average vessel call times are projected to decrease further, enhancing the overall efficiency of port operations.
As Medport Tangier evolves into a central hub for east-west trade, it is not only focused on capacity but also on sustainability. The integration of shore power technology will help reduce emissions from vessels, aligning with global strategies for greener operations. Keld Pedersen, Managing Director at APM Terminals West Med, emphasizes the importance of this expansion for both customers and the surrounding communities. The future looks bright for Medport Tangier as it continues to adapt and grow in an ever-changing maritime landscape.
