New Ferry Service Disrupted: Vessel Breaks Down on Inaugural Tarifa-Tangier Voyage

Barely launched, the ferry of the CTM group subsidiary broke down during its test trip between Tarifa and Tangier-city, reports the website Ferrybalear, specifying that this situation forced the shipping company to replace this ferry with another one called "Maria Dolores", flying the Maltese flag, which should reach the port of Tangier on Wednesday.

The shipping company has been authorized to serve the Tarifa-Tangier line in order to facilitate the traffic of Moroccans residing abroad (MREs) who are numerous to use this line as part of the Marhaba Operation. Moroccans in Europe complain about the exaggerated increase in boat ticket prices, calling for a downward review of these fares.

The Marhaba Operation takes place from June 15 to September 15 each year. It allows Moroccans around the world to join Morocco via the Spanish, French and Italian ports to spend their summer holidays. This year, the Operation starts two days earlier, on June 13, due to the celebration of Eid al-Adha scheduled for June 16 in Morocco.