Baleària Takes Over Tarifa-Tangier Ferry Route as FRS Ends 25-Year Service

In 25 years, FRS Iberia Morocco/DFDS has transported more than 16 million passengers between the two shores of the strait. The maritime company was the first to introduce regular fast ferry service on the Tarifa-Tangier City line. Announcing the cessation of operations on this line, FRS "thanked the citizens and authorities of Tangier and Tarifa for their support and trust, as well as all the customers who have used this service over the last quarter century."

In a statement quoted by Europa Sur, the company assures that it will continue to operate the Algeciras-Tangier Med and Algeciras-Ceuta lines, "thus reaffirming its commitment to maritime connectivity in the Strait of Gibraltar." FRS adds that it will continue to "maintain the quality of its services and explore new opportunities for the future," inviting customers holding tickets for the Tarifa-Tangier City line to contact its customer services in Spain and Morocco, or visit its website for assistance.

This line will now be operated by Baleària. On December 2, the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras (APBA) approved the allocation of this line to the maritime company. During April, the High Court of Justice of Andalusia (TSJA) dismissed FRS/DFDS’s request for precautionary measures following the APBA’s decision. Last month, Baleària successfully conducted docking trials of the Avemar Dos ferry in the port of Tarifa, as it had already done in Tangier.

The maritime company will operate four daily round trips from each port. These will gradually increase as the summer season progresses. With a length of 82 meters, the Avemar Dos can carry up to 900 people and reach a speed of 34 knots. The ship has recently been refurbished to offer greater comfort to passengers. It has a bar-cafeteria, a children’s area, pet accommodations, and a souvenir shop, among other amenities.