Rabat – The official opening of the ferry route linking Morocco to Portugal remains unconcluded. Circulating rumors accusing Spain of pressuring Portugal to withdraw from Operation Marhaba were disproved by an official statement released on Portimao Porto’s official website.
There are indications that the project has been delayed due to “the operating conditions of the Port of Portimao are being evaluated, together with the shipowners and various authorities, with the aim of starting a ferry connection between Portimao and Tangier.”
The delay has sparked frustration among incoming travelers awaiting a definitive answer. There could be a slight delay in operating the new route, causing travelers to wait longer than expected. “At this time, however, it is not possible to confirm whether the connection will be established. As soon as there is more information about this project, it will be published on this website,” explains the Port.
Morocco is Portugal’s first trade partner in the African continent after PALOP countries. Therefore, this unprecedented ferry connection is a valuable opportunity to further deepen bilateral relations with Portugal.
Alongside Italy and France, Portugal is among Morocco’s partners in operating the large-scale Operation Marhaba.
This partnership is the inevitable consequence of the ongoing diplomatic crisis with Spain. Algeciras and Tarifa ports, already suffering from the effects of the pandemic in 2020, are estimating a € 500 million loss.
An agreement currently exists between the port authorities of both countries. Additional difficulties will inevitably arise, primarily due to security concerns. Yet, it also encourages a greater economic consolidation across the Mediterranean.
