Maritime Bilateral Connectivity Analysis for Sustainable Maritime Growth: Case of Morocco

On the African continent, Morocco is considered among the most connected countries, according to the liner shipping connectivity index. Since optimal shipping connectivity can reduce CO2 emissions and trade costs, through this paper we aimed to deepen the understanding of maritime connectivity based on the bilateral maritime connectivity index of Morocco and 138 of its economic partners. We first established an overview of the evolution of the bilateral maritime connectivity in Morocco and highlighted its main regional maritime partners, then defined through a statistical analysis the factors influencing the development of the bilateral maritime links of the country in order to strengthen sustainable maritime connectivity. The results of the descriptive analysis show that Morocco has developed strong maritime connections with Europe and the East of Asia and has an improved connectivity with East African countries (2006–2020). The statistical analysis of the selected factors using regression analysis combined with a gravity model shows that there has been a strong and positive impact of economic growth, logistics, linear connectivity and the maritime component, and bilateral connectivity. Moreover, economic trade and barriers have had no significant effects on bilateral connectivity.