Moroccan Diaspora’s Summer Homecoming: Italian Ferry Boosts Marhaba Operation

Good news for Moroccans Residing Abroad (MRE) who plan to travel through Algeciras to go to Morocco this summer. Starting Thursday, June 26th, they will be able to board the Italian ferry AF Claudia, chartered by the Moroccan shipping company Africa Morocco Link (AML), bound for Tanger Med. This first-generation ship of the Italian company Adria Ferries SpA was put into service in April 2001.

Previously named California Star and Stena Forwarder, the ferry AF Claudia has a gross tonnage of 25,000 tons and a deadweight of 7,500 tons. This ship, 186.49 meters long and 25.60 meters wide, with a maximum draft of 6.50 meters, has a passenger capacity of one thousand. It has a 2,100-linear-meter garage for heavy vehicles, as well as an area that can accommodate up to seventy-five private cars.

With its two MAN 9L48/60 engines with a combined power of 18,900 kW, AF Claudia can reach a cruising speed of 22 knots. The ship, flying the Italian flag, will operate the Algeciras-Tanger Med route during this summer period when thousands of Moroccans from Europe travel to Morocco to spend their holidays and visit their loved ones as part of the Marhaba Operation, which runs from June 15th to September 15th.