Maritime Revolution: Tanger-Tarifa Goes Zero Emission Electric by 2027 with Baleària

A new era is dawning for maritime connections betweenMoroccoandSpain! The Spanish companyBaleàriahas unveiled an ambitious project: azero-emission electric maritime linkbetweenTanger and Tarifa. Starting in2027, two electric « fast ferries » will operate this crossing. This marks a significant advancement towards sustainable mobility in the Strait of Gibraltar.

A Maritime « Green Corridor » Between Europe and Africa

The presentation of this historic project took place in Tanger, attended by high-ranking officials from Moroccan and Spanish transport sectors. This initiative, stemming from a public-private partnership, aims to create a genuine maritime « green corridor. » The goal? To enable fully electric crossings that will produce no CO2 emissions between the two shores of the Strait.

The project includes the construction oftwo twin vessels in Spain. Additionally, it plans to install the necessary port infrastructure for electric charging, which will be implemented in both Tanger and Tarifa.

The Project Includes the Construction of Two Twin Vessels in Spain

Abdessamad Kayouh, Minister of Transport and Logistics, emphasized this point. He noted that this fleet enhancement is part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring smooth and sustainable mobility. This is particularly important for the Marhaba Operation. The ministry is already mobilizing 29 vessels, which offer a weekly capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles, operating through four Moroccan ports and twelve European ports. The objective is to meet the growing demand from Moroccans living abroad.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Comfort on Board the Electric « Fast Ferries »

Georges Bassoul, CEO of Baleària, provided fascinating technical details. Each vessel will develop an electric power of 16 MW, sourced from four electric propellers powered by 11,500 kWh batteries. This will enable completely decarbonized journeys, allowing these vessels to meet 2050 targets as early as 2027! Electric propulsion will not only eliminate emissions but also reduce noise and vibrations, significantly enhancing passenger comfort.

For safety, each vessel will be equipped with four diesel-powered backup generators, providing a total power of 11,200 kW. Full battery recharging will occur in just one hour during each port stop. Storage systems (8 MWh gross batteries) will be installed in both ports, with land-based electrical supply reaching 5 MW in Tarifa and 8 MW in Tanger. Additionally, autonomous robotic arms will recharge the batteries in only 40 minutes, showcasing a remarkable technological achievement.

These two vessels will have a width of 25 meters, capable of carrying804 passengersand225 vehicles. Their maximum speed will be 26 knots. The interiors will be spacious and bright, featuring numerous amenities. Passenger comfort will be ensured through a T-Foil system that reduces the vessel’s vertical movement. Finally, the ships will boast excellent maneuverability due to their deck fins, two bow thrusters, and four rudders. Two high-capacity ramps at the rear will facilitate faster port operations.

A Giant Leap for Sustainability and the Tanger-Tarifa Crossings

For Safety, Each Vessel Will Be Equipped with Four Backup Generators…

Thiselectric link between Tanger and Tarifarepresents a significant step forward for the sustainability of maritime transport and connectivity between Europe and Africa.Baleàriathus confirms its role as a pioneer in innovation, committing to the maritime energy transition and offering a new dimension to theTanger-Tarifa crossings.