In a groundbreaking step toward promoting sustainable maritime transport across the Mediterranean, Spanish shipping company Baleària unveiled an ambitious project from the heart of Tangier Ville Port: the launch of the first fully electric, zero-emission maritime corridor connecting Morocco and Spain, starting in 2027.
A Strategic Moroccan-Spanish Partnership
This visionary initiative is the result of a strategic public-private partnership between the two countries and includes:
• The construction of two twin ferries at shipyards in Spain.
• The development of electric infrastructure in Tangier and Tarifa ports.
• Installation of advanced battery-charging systems with a total capacity of 39 megawatts.
High-Tech Green Ferries
The two ferries will be powered by 16-megawatt electric engines, drawing energy from massive 11,500 kilowatt-hour batteries, allowing them to cover the 18-nautical-mile crossing without emitting any carbon.
Battery recharging will occur during docking stops, taking no more than 40 minutes, using a smart robotic charging system.
Significant Environmental and Economic Impact
The project is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 44,000 tons annually, positioning it as a global model for clean maritime transport and reinforcing the two nations’ shared commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050.
High-Level Official Launch Event
The official unveiling ceremony was attended by around 200 prominent figures from both Morocco and Spain, including:
• Moroccan Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdeslam Qaiouh.
• Spanish Ambassador to Morocco, Enrique Ojeda.
• President of Tangier Ville Port, Mohamed El Ouini.
• Executives from Baleària and its international partners.
Leadership Statements: “Connecting Two Countries with a Green Cord”
Baleària President Adolfo Utor described the project as a symbol of the company’s commitment to environmental innovation, stating:
“We are connecting two countries with a green cord that carries the promise of a cleaner, more sustainable future.”
Company CEO George Bassoul added that the ferry design is inspired by the electric fleet operating in the Balearic Islands but adapted to the technical conditions of the Tangier and Tarifa ports. Each ferry will have the capacity to transport:
• 804 passengers
• 225 vehicles
• At speeds of up to 26 knots.
A Transformational Step for Europe-Africa Maritime Transport
This initiative marks a significant leap in maritime connectivity between Europe and Africa, showcasing cutting-edge green technology, environmental stewardship, and exemplary cooperation between Morocco and Spain in tackling climate challenges.
The project also aligns with Baleària’s broader sustainability strategy, which saw the launch of its first electric vessels in 2023, and continues to evolve through strategic partnerships with leading firms such as Endesa, Incat Crowther, and Cotenaval.
