The Port of Casablanca
The Port of Casablanca is the most significant of all the ports in Morocco. Not only is it a noteworthy port for the local shipping industry, but is known to be the biggest artificial port on the planet. For centuries Casablanca has always been a small seaport that enjoyed a lot of traffic and trade. It finally made the transition to the massive, modern port that it is today when work on the new piers and other important structures was started in 1906.
During the nineteenth century the need for a more sophisticated and established port was realized since the port of Casablanca began growing quickly due to increases in the import and export industry which saw countless loads of wool, gunpowder and tea passing through the Casablanca. By 1938 the Casablanca port boasted large docks, a water plane, embankment and harbors. In 1996 the east container terminal began operating and today the port is able to accommodate approximately thirty-five ships simultaneously. It now handles over 21.3 million tons of cargo each year and stretches across almost eight kilometers of land (six hundred and five hectares). The Casablanca port also caters to the fishing industry, has a marina for smaller vessels and has a shipyard available for repairs. But it is the commercial traffic that secures its reputation as the most important of all the ports in Morocco.
As it is located in close proximity to a bustling railway network and various roads, the port is able to transport cargo efficiently. The Casablanca port is also protected against the elements of the ocean through the Moulay Youssef Jetty. The jetty is 3,180 meters in length and has a cross jetty of approximately 1,140 meters in length. It therefore safeguards the port and the ships from rough seas or strong winds.
Many tourists visit the Port of Casablanca as it has an extremely rich history and has many forms of the shipping industry for visitors to view. The Hassan II Mosque is also located close to the port and this attraction also attracts great numbers of tourists each year. This impressive port is a very important link in the economy of Morocco, handling commercial vessels, cargo, containers, liquid bulk, solid bulk and fishing vessels. Its historical background and vital function make it a necessity as well as a noteworthy site in Morocco.
