Essential Maritime Information on Mauritania

Maritime Geography and Main Ports of Mauritania

Located on the west coast of Africa, Mauritania has a vast coastline of about 754 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean. This strategic position gives it privileged access to major sea routes linking Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Mauritania's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) extends over several hundred thousand square kilometers, offering significant wealth in fishery and energy resources. Several important seaports structure the country's coastal economy. The port of Nouadhibou, located in the northwest, is the main cargo and fishing port, playing a key role in exporting iron ore and other resources. The port of Nouakchott, the capital, is also an essential hub for commercial exchanges and goods transit. Finally, the port of N'Djamena strengthens regional maritime connectivity. This maritime infrastructure is complemented by specialized terminals for mineral loading and industrial fishing activities.

Moreover, Mauritania is developing its port capacities to support committed economic growth, with infrastructure improvement projects aimed at optimizing maritime logistics and attracting more foreign investment. The positioning of its ports makes them strategic points for regional and international trade, also allowing the development of maritime services and port security, essential for safe commerce. The presence of a free zone at the port of Nouadhibou demonstrates Mauritania's commitment to diversifying its maritime economy, notably in support of industrial activities and fishing.

Economic Role and Maritime Challenges in Mauritania

The maritime economy in Mauritania is a fundamental pillar of national development. Fishing is one of the main maritime resources, with intensive exploitation of demersal and pelagic fish stocks. The country exports a large share of its fishery products, generating significant revenues that contribute to GDP and local employment. In addition to fishing, mining activities in coastal areas, especially iron ore, play a vital role. Access to the sea also offers opportunities for offshore hydrocarbon exploration which, in the long term, could diversify the country's income and strengthen its energy independence.

Mauritania faces several challenges in managing its maritime resources. Overfishing and marine biodiversity preservation require strict regulatory frameworks to sustain fishery activities. Additionally, improving maritime security is crucial to combat piracy, accidents, and environmental risks such as oil spills. National authorities collaborate with regional and international institutions to optimize maritime zone monitoring, reinforce port staff training, and promote sustainable practices.

The sea is also a vector of economic and cultural openness, fostering international trade, emerging coastal tourism, and cross-border exchanges. The implementation of government programs aimed at modernizing ports, improving resource management, and supporting marine scientific research is a priority. Finally, integrating modern technologies into maritime infrastructure helps improve Mauritania's competitiveness in the global maritime market, thus strengthening its strategic positioning in West Africa.