Rabat – Ferry traffic between southern Spain and northern Morocco faced fresh disruption this week after Storm Nils swept across the Strait of Gibraltar, forcing authorities to suspend most crossings between Tarifa and Tangier.
The Port Authority of Algeciras Bay confirmed that sailings on the Tarifa-Tangier route stopped today, with only the first departure of the day, scheduled at 9 a.m. from Tarifa, able to proceed.
All remaining trips were canceled as sea conditions worsened.
Officials expect the disruption at the Port of Tarifa to extend into Friday, as unstable weather continues to affect the area.
The strait, one of Europe’s busiest maritime passages, often becomes particularly vulnerable during periods of strong winds and heavy rain.
In contrast, operations at the Port of Algeciras remain intact. Authorities stated that scheduled crossings, especially those connecting Algeciras with Tangier, will proceed as planned unless conditions change.
Travelers have been advised to verify departure times directly with ferry operators before heading to the ports.
Spain’s national meteorological agency forecasts rainfall in the Strait region through 6 p.m. today, without issuing a formal weather alert.
However, conditions could deteriorate on Friday. Meteorologists expect rain accompanied by thunderstorms and westerly winds that may reach speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour.
For passengers who rely on the short Tarifa-Tangier link for work, tourism, or family visits, the cancellations mean delays and uncertainty.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as Storm Nils moves through the region.
