Morocco enhances maritime transport for Marhaba 2025

Friday 06 June 2025 - 09:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco enhances maritime transport for Marhaba 2025

Morocco will enhance its special maritime passenger transport to and from southern Europe with 520 weekly sailings under the Marhaba 2025 operation. This was announced by Mustapha Baitas, the government spokesperson and Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament.

Following the weekly government council meeting, Baitas stated that the operation will increase transport capacity to 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles each week.

To accommodate this demand, 29 vessels from seven shipping companies will operate 12 routes connecting Moroccan ports with key ports in Italy, France, and Spain.

The operation also emphasizes strengthening security by enhancing border control equipment and providing close support through 24 reception centers—18 within Morocco and six abroad. Specialized medical teams will be deployed along major roads and rest areas to ensure the health and safety of travelers.

Additionally, consular services will be mobilized on weekends and holidays from June 15 to September 15 to assist travelers.

This year's Marhaba operation anticipates an unprecedented influx of around 3.5 million travelers, primarily Moroccans living in Europe, reflecting a 4% increase compared to previous years. Approximately 890,000 vehicles are expected to cross the Strait of Gibraltar, marking a 5% rise that may be partly attributed to Spain’s migrant regularization program.

An investment of approximately MAD 28 million (around $2.8 million) has been allocated to upgrade reception infrastructure at Tanger-Med port to better manage the flow.

Overall, Marhaba 2025 aims to ensure smooth traffic management, enhanced security, proximity support, and heightened health vigilance, in line with royal directives to guarantee a safe and efficient return for Moroccans abroad during the summer season.