Morocco established itself in 2025 as Baleària’s leading international market. The Spanish company’s international traffic surged by 68%, to nearly two million passengers, driven in particular by its new routes with the kingdom.
Ceuta’s migration crisis has already caused 33 million euros in private-sector losses and 80 million euros in public spending. The bill has thus reached 113 million euros and is expected to rise further by December.
Danish giant DFDS could attempt to return to the heavily used Tarifa–Tangier Ville route. But to secure the Moroccan license being put back up for tender, it will probably have to partner with a majority Moroccan-owned company.
For the next Marhaba operation, running from mid-June to mid-September, maritime carrier Baleària is planning an unprecedented summer service. Twelve ships will operate up to 37 daily connections to Morocco, Ceuta and Melilla.
As summer approaches, the Port of Sète is multiplying its connections. Morocco remains the flagship destination of this booming hub , which is attracting more and more travelers from western France.
The ferry Cecilia Payne of the Baleària company coming from Ceuta hit the quay of the port of Algeciras on Sunday while trying to dock, causing visible damage to one side of the boat. No injuries were reported.
After the acquisition of Trasmediterranea, Baleària has decided to suspend the line connecting the port of Motril to Tanger Med in Morocco, a line that has transported more than 1.2 million tons of goods since its launch in December 2022.
The shipping company Balearia is facing strong criticism regarding its route between the ports of Tarifa and Tanger Ville. Visible technical problems, passenger complaints, and an alleged breach of contract have been reported, prompting a call for intervention by local authorities.
The ferry of the Baleària company providing the connection between Tarifa and Tangier experienced a lot of delay on Sunday, which caused discontent among passengers and disrupted maritime traffic in the port of Tarifa.
Airline and shipping companies providing transportation services as part of the Marhaba operation are facing criticism from Moroccans residing in Italy, France, Germany, etc., due to the surge in airfare and boat ticket prices.
The maritime company Baleària has strengthened its connection between Tarifa and Tangier City by adding a second vessel. Since May 23, the fast ferry Jaume I has joined the fleet, increasing the number of daily departures from four to six on this route opened on May 8.
The Spanish maritime company Baleària is preparing to launch a new connection between the port of Tarifa and that of Tangier City, with a fast ferry. This arrival coincides with the launch of the Marhaba operation dedicated to Moroccans Residing Abroad (MRE).