New Marseille-Tangier Ferry Service to Launch with Thrice-Weekly Crossings

"After market studies, we decided to position the "Girolata" and the "Pelagos" on a new ropax line between Marseille and Tangier with a frequency of three rotations per week," says Stanislas Lemor, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Stef, the parent company of the company.

It is a bold option when we know that CMA CGM, which had tried the adventure in October 2017, had to suspend its service three months later, due to lack of traffic. The link, exclusively reserved for freight, had not been followed at the time by road hauliers.

Without the transfer of the "Girolata" charter contract with GNV, this service is announced for late October or early November. "Between Marseille and Tangier, there is no ropax line.

It is a relevant and safe alternative to the 100% road route via Algeciras for shippers and road hauliers in view of the 36-hour crossing and the high frequency offered. Our studies show that there is a passenger market, especially in summer, and freight for import as well as export". The line would break even as early as 2021 with a target market share on the flows from southern France to Tangier of around 5% in freight and 2% in passengers.

Faced with a lack of visibility on its historic Corsican market, La Méridionale is looking for a second wind. This diversification opens up new prospects for the maritime subsidiary of the Stef group.