Nearly two years after the suspension of maritime traffic between Spain and Morocco was formalized due to the health crisis and the diplomatic conflict between the two countries, shipping companies are gradually resuming service.
Since Tuesday, the 14-kilometer road between Moroccan and Spanish ports that passes through the Strait of Gibraltar has regained its previous traffic levels.
"We are delighted today to welcome the first ferry from Tarifa to the port of Tangier, after a two-year hiatus. After two years of pandemic, which affected everyone, including Morocco and Spain, this journey was made possible thanks to the historic agreement between Morocco and Spain ," rejoices Mohamed Ouanaya, President and CEO of the Tangier Port Area Reconstruction Development Company (SAPT).
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the ports of Tangier and Tangier Med experienced a significant influx of holidaymakers every summer as the Moroccan diaspora living in Europe returned home. More than 3.3 million passengers crossed the Strait of Gibraltar via Spanish ports.
"I am very happy about the opening of Morocco's borders (with Spain). I can now come and see my family and spend Ramadan with them," said Firdaous, a passenger on the ferry from Tarifa.
Maritime traffic between Spain and Morocco has resumed following the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The easing of tensions is directly linked to Madrid's decision to align itself with the United Nations, which supports Morocco's autonomy plan for the disputed region of Western Sahara.
Motorists will have to wait until April 18th to be able to use the Strait road.
