Innovative electric ferry route to connect Morocco and Spain

Friday 31 January 2025 - 08:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Innovative electric ferry route to connect Morocco and Spain

Spanish ferry operator Baleària has announced an ambitious plan to create the first green maritime corridor between Morocco and Spain, featuring two fully electric fast ferries that will operate between Tangier Ville and Tarifa. This groundbreaking initiative is scheduled to commence in 2027, representing a significant advancement in sustainable maritime transport between the two regions.

The project follows Baleària's successful acquisition of a 15-year contract from the Algeciras Bay Port Authority (APBA) last December, permitting the management of the Tarifa-Tangier Ville route. The APBA's decision was based on technical and environmental considerations, establishing this as the first intercontinental green line.

“This is a pioneering and technologically advanced public-private project that will enable us, for the first time ever, to run the entire route using only electric energy and, therefore, zero emissions,” stated Adolfo Utor, Baleària’s President and Owner.

Technical specifications and infrastructure

The twin catamarans will be built at the Armon shipyard in Gijón, Spain. Each vessel will boast 16 MW of electric power supplied by four electric propulsion units, alongside an impressive battery capacity of 11,500 kWh. Measuring 25 meters in beam width, these catamarans will accommodate 804 passengers and carry 225 vehicles, reaching speeds of up to 26 knots.

To prepare for emergency situations, each vessel will be outfitted with four diesel backup generators, providing a total capacity of 11,200 kW. Additionally, significant upgrades will be made to the maritime infrastructure to support these electric vessels, including the installation of 8 MWh gross batteries and specialized charging systems at both Tarifa and Tangier ports.

These ports will feature shore power supplies, with Tarifa offering 5 MW and Tangier providing 8 MW capacity. Each port will also install two autonomous robotic arms that will connect to the ships through an Onshore Power System (OPS), allowing for a complete battery recharge within 40 minutes during regular one-hour port stops.

Economic and environmental impact

This initiative signifies a substantial investment in sustainable maritime transport, with electrification projects in Tarifa and Algeciras requiring €62 million. José Antonio Santano, Spain's Secretary of State for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, highlighted that “the decarbonization of transport is one of the Ministry’s priorities.”

The economic relevance of this route is underscored by a marked increase in passenger traffic, with the Strait crossing operation recording 3,442,770 passengers in 2024—an increase of 6.9% compared to the previous year. Projections indicate that the route could accommodate up to four million passengers in the future.

The new vessels will be named “España 2030” and “Marruecos 2030,” symbolizing their connection to the 2030 Agenda and the upcoming 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Morocco, and Portugal. This choice of names reflects the strengthening cooperation between the two nations.

“This is our southern border. Everything that benefits Morocco benefits Spain,” Utor remarked, emphasizing the importance of enhancing economic ties. He noted that this maritime connection would complement ongoing industrial developments, particularly in the automotive sector, with operations by Renault and PSA in Tangier’s free zone.

This project represents a crucial step toward decarbonizing maritime transport, aligning with 2050 environmental objectives ahead of schedule while ensuring efficient service on one of the busiest maritime routes between Europe and Africa. Covering 18 nautical miles (approximately 28 kilometers) between the two ports, this route will serve as a vital link in the maritime corridor, merging efficiency with environmental sustainability.