Safi Port (Part One)

The Moroccan town of Safi is a busy metropolis that not only is the centre for the production of ceramics and phosphates, it is also where the country's sardine industry is located. There is a large port area where hundreds of vessels and even more fishermen go out into the cold Atlantic waters in search of fish. You can buy amazing fresh fish in Safi, and not just copious amounts of the humble sardine.

The port is split into two zones. One is accessible by the public and this is where you can buy fish or just watch the fishermen at work, fixing their nets and preparing for the next voyage. The other side is where boats are built and repaired and is not open to the public.

I made three visits to the port during my last stay in Safi and visited all the areas and found the shipyard the most interesting. I managed to get quite a lot of shots before finally being stopped and then questioned by the police. It wasn't a big problem though and a warning was just issued. By then, I had already got what I had come for.

It is fascinating to watch boats actually being constructed and I was told that a typical fishing boat will around half a million euros. On top of this it will need to be constantly maintained and also need some proper repairs each year.

Today I publish some images taken at the fishermen's side of the port. The next entry will focus on the shipyard.