Morocco to Double Airport Capacity by 2030

Morocco's Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch speaks during the High Level Segment session of the One Ocean Summit (OOS) in Brest, France February 11, 2022. (Reuters)
Morocco's Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch speaks during the High Level Segment session of the One Ocean Summit (OOS) in Brest, France February 11, 2022. (Reuters)
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Morocco to Double Airport Capacity by 2030

Morocco's Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch speaks during the High Level Segment session of the One Ocean Summit (OOS) in Brest, France February 11, 2022. (Reuters)
Morocco's Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch speaks during the High Level Segment session of the One Ocean Summit (OOS) in Brest, France February 11, 2022. (Reuters)

Morocco plans to expand its airport capacity to 80 million passengers by 2030 from 38 million currently, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch said.

The plan is part of Morocco's preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, together with Spain and Portugal, and promote tourism, Akhannouch told members of parliament.

Casablanca's airport capacity will be expanded to 23.3 million passengers, while tourist hubs Marrakech and Agadir will have a capacity of 14 million passengers and 6.3 million respectively by 2030, he said.

Morocco received a record 15.9 million tourists in the first 11 months of this year, surpassing the total in the entire previous year thanks to more air routes, according to tourism ministry figures.

Morocco is also working to extend its high-speed train network to Marrakech before the World Cup, and further south to Agadir.

The rail operator also aims to expand its network to double the number of cities it serves to 43, or 87% of the Moroccan population, by 2040.

The prime minister also mentioned the expansion and renovation of 45 stadiums and training sites in the six cities that are planned to host the World Cup, in addition to the construction of a new stadium with 115,000 seats near Casablanca.

Investments in stadium construction and expansion would cost Morocco up to 5 billion dirhams ($500 million), the government has said.

Morocco is also hosting the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament in 2025.



Oman LNG Delivers First Shipment to Shell

A glimpse of the first LNG shipment delivery to Shell at the industrial complex in Sur, Oman (Oman News Agency)
A glimpse of the first LNG shipment delivery to Shell at the industrial complex in Sur, Oman (Oman News Agency)
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Oman LNG Delivers First Shipment to Shell

A glimpse of the first LNG shipment delivery to Shell at the industrial complex in Sur, Oman (Oman News Agency)
A glimpse of the first LNG shipment delivery to Shell at the industrial complex in Sur, Oman (Oman News Agency)

Oman LNG on Tuesday announced the successful loading of its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo to Shell under its new long-term agreements, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategy to expand its global market reach and reinforce Oman’s position as a leading LNG supplier.
According to Oman News Agency, the ceremonial event took place at Oman LNG’s state-of-the-art facility in Sur, under the auspices of Salim al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, alongside senior officials from Oman LNG and Shell.
Aufi, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of this milestone, saying, “Today’s shipment is not merely a delivery but a testament to Oman’s commitment to energy security, global collaboration, and sustainable economic growth. It also reflects the strong partnership between Oman LNG and Shell, built on mutual trust and a shared vision.”

Shell, as the largest offtaker under these new agreements, plays a pivotal role in Oman LNG’s strategic plans for sustained growth and market expansion.

Oman LNG’s CEO, Hamad al Naamany, highlighted the significance of this shipment, saying, “We are embarking on a 10-year concession extension with market leaders in LNG and energy. Our growth is aligned with Oman’s vision and adapted to the evolving global energy market demands. Our partnership with Shell continues to thrive, contributing to Oman’s economic diversification goals.”