Rabat — Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Mohamed Abdeljalil said on Monday that more than three million passengers transited through Moroccan ports as part of the Operation Marhaba 2024 from June 5 to September 15.
The majority of the passengers — 70% of them — were Moroccans residing abroad, the minister said, noting that the transit represents an increase of 6% in passenger numbers and 10% in vehicles compared to the previous operation.
The minister added in the statement that the Ministry of Transport mobilized a total of 29 vessels operated by seven companies across various maritime routes connecting Moroccan ports to several European destinations in Spain, France, and Italy.
The ministry’s goal was to ensure more than 535 weekly crossings with a maximum capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,0000 vehicles each week.
He said that the ministry also monitored crossing prices as well as the continuation of prior ticket reservices on all maritime routes involved in the operation.
“This measure contributed to ensuring smooth flow and avoiding the activation of the ticket interchangeability mechanism,” the minister said, noting that he also reviewed other measures like establishing a maritime transport offer that meets the expected traffic.
The measures also include diversifying maritime routes as well as technical inspections of the vessels to ensure compliance with national and international safety standards.
El Karam Amine, the director of port police and regulations at the National Ports Agency also stressed the agency’s efforts to implement the necessary measures at the ports of Nador and Al Hoceima to ensure smooth passage for Moroccans residing abroad.
The Marhaba operation is an annual initiative that the North African country launches in June to facilitate the transition of Moroccan diaspora members visiting their homeland during the summer season.
