“The launch of operations between Tarifa and Tangier Ville is a key milestone in consolidating our position in Morocco, and we are very pleased with this achievement. Customers will enjoy our service, which prioritises quality, reliability, and comfort,” said Baleària’s CEO, Georges Bassoul.

Baleària will operate this one-hour crossing with the AVEMAR DOS fast ferry and will later introduce a second fast ferry. Both vessels have been fully refurbished to provide enhanced comfort and quality for passengers, offering amenities such as a bar-cafeteria, children’s area, pet accommodation, and a gift shop. Additionally, the company offers one- or two-day excursion packages to Tangier, allowing passengers to explore the city’s cultural, historical, and gastronomic heritage with a local guide.

Two 100% Electric Zero-Emission Fast Ferries Under Construction
For this new route, Baleària is constructing two 100% electric zero-emission fast ferries, creating the first green corridor between Spain and Morocco. These twin catamarans will be built at Armon Shipyards in Gijón and are expected to be operational in 2027. Each vessel will have an electrical power capacity of 16 MW, powered by four battery-driven electric thrusters with a capacity of 11,500 kWh, enabling the entire 18-mile crossing to be completed with electric propulsion and zero emissions. Each ship will also be equipped with four diesel combustion support generators, with a total capacity of 11,200 kW, for potential contingencies.

The ferries’ batteries must be fully recharged during the one-hour stopover in each port. To facilitate this, 8 MWh gross battery systems will be installed in both ports, supplemented by the local electricity supply. Charging will be managed through two innovative autonomous robotic arms installed in each port, connected to the ship via the OPS (Onshore Power Supply) connection.

Baleària in Morocco
Baleària has been operating in Morocco since 2003, when it began connecting Algeciras with Tangier. In 2017, it launched a route in the Alboran Sea between Nador and Almeria, and in late 2022, it introduced a daily service between Tangier Med and Motril. In 2024, the company transported one million passengers across its three Moroccan routes, accounting for nearly 20% of Baleària’s total passenger traffic. It also recorded a 7% increase in freight transport, handling over 2.2 million linear metres of cargo, equivalent to approximately 150,000 trucks.