JORF LASFAR

• MAJFL
• Latitude: 33.123
• Longitude: -8.631
• West Africa
• Port in Morocco

Location: El Jadida Casablanca-Settat Morocco

Jorf Lasfar is one of Morocco's major seaports and is situated on the country's Atlantic coast, near the city of El Jadida, approximately 120 kilometers south of Casablanca. It is predominantly an industrial port, serving as a crucial node for the import and export of various goods, particularly related to the country's phosphate industry.

Overview and Strategic Importance:

• Primary Use: Jorf Lasfar is Morocco's principal bulk cargo port, specializing in the export of phosphates and their derivatives. It also deals with petroleum products, chemicals, coal, and other bulk goods.
• Industrial Complex: The port is adjacent to one of the largest industrial complexes in Morocco, which includes several major chemical factories and the Jorf Lasfar Power Station, the largest thermal power station in the country.

Port Specifications:

General:

• Location: Atlantic coast, near El Jadida, 120 km south of Casablanca.
• Coordinates: Latitude: 33.1031 N, Longitude: 8.6369 W.
• Management: Operated by the National Ports Agency (Agence Nationale des Ports - ANP) of Morocco.

Maritime Infrastructure:

• Water Depth:
  • Entrance Channel: Approximately 23 meters
  • Berths: Depths range from 10 to 18 meters
• Tide Variation: The port experiences tidal variations with a range of about 1.8 meters (neap tide) to 3.1 meters (spring tide).

Berthing Facilities:

• Total Berths: 8 berths of varied lengths and depths suitable for different types of cargo.
• Berth Specifications:
  • Phosphate Berths: Dedicated berths for the export of phosphates and their derivatives.
  • Petroleum Berths: Facilities to handle the import of crude oil and its products.
  • Bulk Cargo Berths: For handling various bulk goods such as coal and chemicals.

Cargo Handling:

• Equipment: The port is equipped with several cranes, conveyor belts, and other specialized handling equipment to manage bulk materials efficiently.
• Storage: Considerable storage facilities, including large stockyards and covered warehouses for different types of goods.

Connectivity:

• Road Network: Well connected by a network of roads to major cities and industrial areas.
• Rail Links: The port is linked by rail, facilitating efficient transport of goods to the hinterland.

Ancillary Services:

• Pilotage: Mandatory for all vessels; pilotage services are available 24/7.
• Tug Assistance: Tug services are provided for maneuvering larger vessels.
• Bunkering: Fueling services available for ships.
• Customs and Inspection: Comprehensive customs and cargo inspection facilities are in place.

Economic Significance:

• Phosphate Exports: As Morocco houses the majority of the world’s phosphate reserves, Jorf Lasfar plays a crucial role in the global phosphate market.
• Energy Imports: It is a key gateway for importing energy resources critical for the nation's power generation needs.
• Industrial Support: The port supports a vast array of industrial operations, providing critical import and export functionalities that sustain local and national industries.

Future Developments:

Continued investments are being made to expand and modernize the port facilities, with plans to increase capacity and improve efficiency, ensuring Jorf Lasfar remains a pivotal hub in North African maritime trade.

In conclusion, Jorf Lasfar is a strategically vital port for Morocco, underpinning the nation’s economic infrastructure through its extensive capacity for handling bulk goods, particularly phosphates, and its integrated industrial complex.