Morocco's shipping fleet turnover fell in value by 2.2 per cent to 2.1 billion dirhams (about HK$1.67 billion) in 1997 compared with the year before, a spokesman said. Freight also fell 10.5 per cent to 4.6 million tonnes.

The volume of maritime transport rose 6 per cent to 41.2 million tonnes. Morocco, whose main trade is with the European continent, has a modest fleet of 43 ships, according to official figures.