Morocco Boosts Ferry Services for Summer Diaspora Return as Key Operator Falters

Morocco is relying on the companies Africa Morocco Link (AML) and FRS to fill the void left by Intershipping. "We have proposed to the leaders of AML to charter two ships for the fast Tangier City-Tarifa link. They have committed to do so and have found the boats. We have also asked them to add a third boat on the Tangier Med-Algeciras line. The same goes for FRS, which will mobilize a second ferry on the same line," explained Mohamed Abdeljalil during his appearance on the "Grand Format Le360" program, assuring that "we will have the same capacity as last year".

The last meeting of the Moroccan-Spanish joint commission was held a few days ago to coordinate the 2024 Strait Crossing Operation (OPE-23) or Marhaba 2024 between Spain and Morocco. "The fleet plan planned for this summer is considered satisfactory by both parties," the minister said, specifying that the two countries have agreed to maintain the fleet plan at its usual level, with five ships on each side of the Strait, with the possibility of mobilizing two to three additional boats during the peak activity period.

In 2023, the Marhaba operation was a great success. In total, 2.84 million travelers and 642,000 vehicles were recorded in both directions, an increase of 23% and 20% respectively compared to the 2022 figures. They entered Morocco through Moroccan ports during the period from June 5 to September 15, 2023.