Rabat– Morocco will boost its special maritime passenger transport to and from southern Europe with 520 weekly sailings under the Marhaba 2025 operation. This was announced Thursday by Mustapha Baitas, government spokesperson and Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament.
Speaking after the weekly government council meeting, Baitas said that the operation, will increase transport capacity to 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles per week.
To meet this demand, 29 vessels from seven shipping companies will operate 12 routes connecting Moroccan ports with key ports in Italy, France, and Spain.
The operation also focuses on strengthening security by enhancing border control equipment and offering close support through 24 reception centers—18 inside Morocco and six abroad. Specialized medical teams will be deployed along major roads and rest areas to ensure travelers’ health and safety.
Additionally, consular services will be mobilized on weekends and holidays from June 15 to September 15 to assist travelers.
This year’s Marhaba operation is set against expectations of an unprecedented influx of about 3.5 million travelers, primarily Moroccans living in Europe, representing a 4% increase over previous years. Around 890,000 vehicles are expected to cross the Strait of Gibraltar, marking a 5% rise that may be partly attributed to Spain’s migrant regularization program.
An investment of approximately MAD 28 million (around $2.8 million) has been dedicated to upgrading reception infrastructure at Tanger-Med port to better handle the flow.
Overall, Marhaba 2025 aims to ensure smooth traffic management, enhanced security, proximity support, and heightened health vigilance, in line with royal directives to guarantee a safe and efficient return for Moroccans abroad during the summer season.
