Port of Safi: Chinese Company ZPMC Establishes Its Industrial Base in Morocco

ZPMC, the Chinese giant in port equipment and heavy handling systems, is significantly enhancing its presence in Morocco. After several years of delivering port equipment, the group has now firmly established its operations in the Kingdom with the creation of ZPMC Morocco, a subsidiary specifically dedicated to executing the large contract won from OCP for the new port of Safi.

This establishment comes at a time when major Chinese construction companies are increasing their foothold in Morocco. In both port infrastructure and large projects related to the 2030 World Cup, groups such as ZPMC, Zoomlion, and XCMG are gradually strengthening their presence in the Moroccan market.

A subsidiary established in Casablanca for the Safi project

On February 19, 2025, ZPMC’s board of directors authorized the creation of a subsidiary in Casablanca aimed at the superstructure project for the new port of Safi.

The initial capital was set at €100,000, approximately 1.07 million dirhams, fully subscribed by the Chinese group. ZPMC’s annual report for 2025 later confirmed the official registration of the company under the name ZPMC Morocco, with an account contribution of 750,450 yuan, roughly equivalent to one million dirhams.

This legal structure now provides the group with a permanent base in Morocco, while its operational presence in the country traces back several years.

As early as August 2023, ZPMC had completed the delivery of eight quay cranes to Morocco, transported in four successive shipments. The last two units were shipped aboard the Zhen Hua 25, featuring a front reach of 75 meters and a lifting height of 56 meters above the rail.

A contract worth 2 billion dirhams with OCP

The establishment of ZPMC Morocco is directly linked to the contract awarded by OCP for the new port of Safi.

Announced on the Shanghai Stock Exchange on December 30, 2024, the contract amounts to 1.461 billion yuan, or approximately 2.05 billion dirhams. ZPMC has a timeframe of 30 months to supply the equipment, transport it, assemble it, and perform associated work on-site.

The contract includes the construction and delivery of five ship loaders and two unloader systems.

One of the loaders designated for slot P4 is expected to handle up to 1,000 tons per hour. The two unloaders intended for slot P5 will each have a capacity of 2,000 tons per hour.

The four additional loaders, designated for slots P1, P2, and P3, will be capable of achieving a capacity of 3,000 tons per hour.

Thus, ZPMC is positioned at the heart of the future handling system for industrial flows at the Safi port complex.

6,500 tons of metal structures

The contract is not limited to providing large port machinery. It also includes seven belt conveyors, a transfer station, and a substantial array of metal galleries.

These structures consist of approximately 4.1 kilometers of galleries and nearly 6,500 tons of materials. This volume includes about 5,100 tons of metal frameworks and 1,400 tons of coverings, cladding, gratings, and guardrails.

ZPMC manages the entire chain, from design and manufacturing to maritime transport and delivery in Safi. The group is also responsible for assembly assistance, testing, commissioning, and after-sales service.

This configuration signifies a significant evolution in Chinese presence in Morocco: it is no longer just about exporting equipment but about supporting its installation and long-term operation.

The first machines already on their way to Safi

The project is already gaining momentum. The first shipment of equipment departed Changxing at the beginning of August 2026 aboard the Zhen Hua 37.

The vessel was carrying two unloaders and the first ship loader. The schedule anticipates powering up the first loader in October 2026, before its handover to the client by January 30, 2027, at the latest.

The two unloaders are expected to follow by April 30, 2027. The remaining four loaders are slated for delivery in March 2027, with a final completion scheduled before August 30 of the same year.

Zoomlion focuses on major Moroccan projects

ZPMC’s establishment is part of a broader trend among Chinese groups in Morocco.

In the heavy lifting sector, Zoomlion has made its mark on several major projects, including the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The manufacturer deployed its track crane ZCC9800W, which falls into the 800-ton machinery category.

This crane can reach a maximum lifting height of 180 meters and is designed for operations requiring the handling of particularly heavy structures.

Zoomlion has also strengthened its presence in the Moroccan energy sector. The group has shipped several high-capacity machines to Morocco, including a ZCC17000 of 1,250 tons, a ZCC9800W of 800 tons, and an all-terrain crane ZAT9000V863G of 900 tons.

These pieces of equipment participated in a maintenance operation on a 2.3-megawatt wind turbine.

XCMG equips the Grand Stade Hassan-II

Meanwhile, XCMG has positioned itself on the construction site of the Grand Stade Hassan-II in Benslimane with a deployment of ten tower cranes.

The Chinese manufacturer has deployed eight XGT360E-20S1 cranes and two XGT800-40S cranes.

The former can lift up to 20 tons, with a boom length of 80 meters, while the XGT800-40S models have a maximum capacity of 40 tons and a nominal lifting torque of 800 ton-meters.

These cranes are intended for constructing the large-span structures of the future stadium, with a projected capacity of 115,000 spectators.

Chinese groups strengthen their industrial foothold

With ZPMC, Zoomlion, and XCMG, the Chinese presence in major Moroccan projects has now far surpassed mere equipment supply.

ZPMC focuses on port equipment and industrial handling systems, Zoomlion specializes in high-capacity mobile and track cranes, while XCMG is expanding its presence in tower cranes and equipment for major construction projects.

This evolution marks a new phase in the industrial relationship between China and Morocco. Chinese manufacturers are now seeking to establish a long-term presence by combining equipment supply, installation, maintenance, technical support, and collaboration with major contractors.

For ZPMC, the creation of ZPMC Morocco represents a turning point. Backed by a contract of over 2 billion dirhams for the new port of Safi, this establishment provides the group with an industrial base in Morocco and could enhance its role in other port and industrial projects in the Kingdom.

As Morocco accelerates its investments in infrastructure ahead of 2030, the country emerges as a strategic market for major Chinese equipment manufacturers, who find both large-scale projects and a gateway to the African market.