Tangier which in the past has been a popular destination for visiting yachts has announced plans that will expand this involvement. The city in northern Morocco has announced an objective to become one of the prime yachting locations in the Mediterranean with the promise of new marinas including facilities for superyachts. Work on a new marina is due to start next year but few details are currently available.

In a recent statement Abdelouaf Laftit, the president of the Tangier Port Development organisation said: "This major project, which will begin construction in 2011 - will make the port of Tangier and its bay one of the first marinas and cruise destinations in the Mediterranean." The plan also includes increasing facilities for cruise ships. The move of the present ferry services to the new Tangier-Med port from this year, will free up space for developing various port faciltities including the marina. In addition to the marina, the plan includes the development of cultural and leisure facilities as well as residential and retail projects.

Facilities for visiting yachts including superyachts have improved over recent years with the development of the Marina Smir and Kabila marina which between them offer some 600 berths up to 60m. This stretch of the Morrocan coast is defined as a prime development area for resort facilities. It is attractive to visiting yachts because of its proximity to Gibraltar and cheap fuel, allowing a visit outside the EU when that becomes necessary.


Superyacht Business / David Robinson, 10 March 2010