Balearia’s Tarifa-Tanger Route Plagues Passengers: Smoke, Delays, and Contract Concerns Spark Outcry

Last Wednesday, a ship from the company was observed leaving Tarifa emitting thick black smoke, a state that contradicts Balearia’s commitments to an "environmentally friendly" fleet. This technical incident adds to a series of grievances expressed by travelers, recalls Rue20.

Indeed, passengers have multiplied complaints about the travel conditions. They describe treatment they consider humiliating and denounce a lack of comfort and essential services on board, turning the crossing into a negative experience.

These service malfunctions would be linked to the company’s non-compliance with its contractual commitments. The 15-year contract signed with the port of Tanger Ville stipulates the operation of two vessels on this line. However, Balearia is currently using only one.

This reduced operation has direct consequences for users, causing daily delays of one to three hours. The situation is particularly problematic during the high summer season, due to the large influx of tourists and Moroccans living abroad.

Faced with these shortcomings, a call has been made to the Wali of the Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma region, Younes Tazi, to intervene in order to enforce the contract, improve the quality of service, and protect the rights of passengers as well as the reputation of the port.