In this context, the Motril Port Authority has expressed its respect for the shipping company’s decision, while also announcing that it is already working to find a new operator to ensure the continuity of the route. The port authority stresses that the line has proven to be an efficient and profitable connection since it was launched in December 2022.

The Port Authority is in talks with various shipping companies interested in operating the route, with the goal of reactivating the service as soon as possible and minimizing the impact on regular operators and shippers.

Despite several traffic records during this year’s OPE (the major summer operation facilitating the return of Moroccan nationals from abroad), Baleària’s Motril -Tangier Med saw a decrease of 16.6% in the number of sailings to 252, but the size and occupancy factor of the vessels employed on the route increased.

“The company (Baleària) is working to enhance the competitiveness of its services in the Strait, particularly on its routes with Morocco, which represents its largest international market in terms of traffic volume. In this regard, Baleària will continue to assess market opportunities that allow it to provide regular, sustainable, and efficient maritime connections from Tangier Med with other ports on the Iberian Peninsula,” says Baleària in a statement to Shippax.

© Shippax