Morocco Boosts Maritime Transport for Summer 2019 "Marhaba" Operation

Essentially, two important axes have been strengthened as part of the "Marhaba" 2019. These are, as specified in a statement from the Ministry, the Tanger Med-Algeciras axis with 13 ships to carry out 53 rotations per day (8% more compared to 2018) and offering a passenger capacity of 47,210 and a car capacity of 12,895, an increase of 11% for passengers and 13% for vehicles.

As for the second, it is the Nador-Almeria axis with the mobilization of 4 ships that will be operated. They will make 6.5 rotations per day (i.e. 30% more compared to 2018). These ships offer a capacity of 7,800 passengers and 2,185 cars, an increase of 56% for passengers and 62% for cars compared to 2018.

The smooth running of the Operation is guaranteed by a specifications document put in place by the Ministry. It specifies the conditions for operating the lines and commits the companies to respect them, the statement recalls. Here, in particular, a bond and the amounts to be deducted in the event of malfunctions and non-compliance with commitments are also defined.

In total, daily flows of less than 3,000 vehicles and 10,000 passengers are expected until July 7. However, from July 8 to 26, the pace of entries will increase to reach 5,000 vehicles and 18,000 passengers, while the flow will be highest between July 14 and 21 and between July 27 and August 8, before a gradual decline until the Eid Al Adha holiday. The return phase provides for low flows between July 1 and August 12 (less than 3,000 vehicles and 10,000 passengers). However, during the third week of August, these flows will stabilize around 5,000 vehicles and 18,000 passengers. They will have to exceed 5,000 vehicles and 18,000 passengers per day after the Eid holiday and until September 2, 2019.

In order to monitor traffic developments, taking into account forecasts and recommendations from the competent maritime and port authorities, the Ministry has made available to passengers its website, www.equipement.gov.ma, to which a capsule will be added from June 15, 2019.