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Rabat – The Belem, France’s surviving three-masted sailing ship, has returned to Morocco after a 16-year absence, dropping anchor in Rabat on May 4 for a short but meaningful visit.
Once a merchant ship and now a symbol of maritime heritage, the Belem carries more than its sails. It brings stories, tradition, and a living sense of history.
At 50 meters long with towering steel masts, the vessel draws attention for its elegance and its journey across time, from its construction in 1896 in Nantes to its current role as a cultural and diplomatic envoy.
In Rabat, the ship welcomed guests aboard for a reception hosted by the French Embassy.
Diplomats, scientists, NGO leaders, and maritime professionals gathered on deck to reflect on shared priorities ahead of the upcoming UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3).
The evening centered on marine ecosystems, the importance of international cooperation in science, and the governance of our oceans.
The visit is part of a broader initiative organized with the Institut français, the Port of Tangier Ville, and Bouregreg Marina. It reawakens a relationship between Morocco and France rooted in sea routes and cultural exchange.
After Rabat, the Belem sets sail for Tangier.
In Tangier, the historical ship will be docked at the Port of Tangier City and open to the public for free visits on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11
In 2024, it had the honor of carrying the Olympic flame from Athens to Marseille for the Paris Olympic Games , an event that further cemented its status as a French icon.
The Belem’s return reminds Morocco and France of the value in looking forward and back, toward cleaner oceans, deeper collaboration, and the enduring stories carried throughout time.
