Ferries to Morocco: MREs to receive better compensation in the event of an accident
Morocco has just taken a step toward a new compensation system for ferry passengers. Mandatory insurance, strengthened liability and better coverage for cars and luggage are planned in the event of a maritime accident.
A dahir dated July 28, 2026, and published in the Official Gazette on August 13, promulgates Law 62.24 approving the 2002 Protocol to the Athens Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea.
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The decision published in Official Gazette No. 7534 paves the way for Morocco to join an international regime offering much greater protection for travelers.
In the event of death or injury caused by a maritime accident, the carrier’s liability may reach 250,000 special drawing rights (SDRs), or approximately 295,000 euros at the current exchange rate, per passenger. It may rise to as much as 400,000 SDRs (473,000 euros) when the damage is greater, unless the carrier proves that there was no fault or negligence.
Companies will also have to maintain insurance or a financial guarantee covering at least 250,000 SDRs per passenger for the risks concerned.
MREs’ cars also protected
The system also covers transported goods. Liability may reach 12,700 SDRs for a vehicle, including luggage left inside, 2,250 SDRs for cabin luggage and 3,375 SDRs for other luggage.
For MREs traveling to Morocco by ferry with their car and personal belongings, these provisions therefore directly concern the main risks of a sea crossing.
However, they are not yet automatically applicable to all Moroccan ferries. Following the approval published in the Official Gazette, Morocco must still deposit its instrument of ratification or accession with the International Maritime Organization. The protocol then provides for a three-month period before entering into force for the new State Party.
Passengers boarding from the European Union, particularly from Spain or France, already benefit from a European system largely based on the Athens Convention. Morocco’s accession should primarily integrate the Kingdom directly into this international system and extend its protection to situations falling under its maritime jurisdiction.
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Having entered into force internationally in 2014, the protocol had thirty-four States Parties as of July 6, 2026, including France, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. Morocco was not yet among them.
