A new report from the Transport & Environment Organization and the “Imal” Initiative for Climate and Development predicts a bright future for Morocco as Europe transitions to green shipping fuels.
Currently, container ships traveling between Asia and Europe refuel in ports such as Singapore and Rotterdam. However, the report suggests a more efficient route: “Asia, then Morocco,” bypassing Western Europe entirely.
This strategy makes sense given Morocco’s location, as most of the traffic between Europe and Asia passes through the Strait of Gibraltar, placing Morocco directly on the route.
Additionally, it is expected that 80% of European shipping energy will come from green hydrogen by 2050, positioning Morocco perfectly to become a green refueling hub.
According to the report, Morocco has the third-largest solar energy capacity and the second-largest wind energy capacity in Africa, providing the clean energy needed to produce green hydrogen fuel.
“Morocco is in an excellent position to take the lead in cleaning up shipping,” said Rachid Ennassiri, the director of the Green Economy Program at Imal. “With the right regulations and infrastructure, we are on the right track. This report shows the enormous potential of green fuels, but this is just the beginning. Industries and investors must quickly jump on board to build the infrastructure and secure government support to keep long-term costs competitive,” the expert added.
Currently, Morocco is not a major player in refueling ships on the Europe-Asia route. In fact, it sells the least traditional ship fuel among the major bunkering hubs. This shift to green fuels offers the country a golden opportunity.
Global shipping consumes a massive 300 million tons of fossil fuels annually, significantly contributing to climate change.
The transition to clean energy will require a major overhaul of the shipping industry in the coming decades, and Morocco is well-positioned to play a key role in this green revolution.
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