The Spanish maritime company Balearia has announced the upcoming launch of a fully electric ferry service connecting the ports of Tarifa, Cádiz, and Tangier City. This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant leap toward sustainable connectivity between Europe and Africa.
Unveiled at the 45th International Tourism Fair in Madrid, this ambitious project is the result of a public-private partnership, making it the first 100% green maritime corridor between Spain and Morocco. The plan is part of a broader effort to electrify port infrastructure on both sides of the Strait of Gibraltar.
“We are proud to offer the fastest and most sustainable link between Europe and Africa, with two electric vessels specifically designed for this route,” said Adolfo Utor Martínez, President of Balearia.
The Tarifa-Tangier route is a world-first in maritime transport innovation. The new electric ferries, equipped with state-of-the-art clean energy technologies, align with Balearia’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
For Utor Martínez, this revolutionary project represents a major step forward in modernizing and innovating maritime transport. Beyond cutting the company’s carbon footprint, it aims to promote eco-friendly mobility along this crucial trade route.
Morocco’s ambassador to Spain, Karima Benyaich, has praised the initiative, calling it “innovative, sustainable, and forward-thinking.” She believes this project will strengthen bilateral ties and support ongoing collaboration between the two countries, especially as they gear up to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
“This project embodies the shared vision of Morocco and Spain to transform the 14 kilometers that separate them into a model of innovative and sustainable cooperation,” she stated. Benyaich also highlighted the project’s role in boosting commercial partnerships and promoting more environmentally responsible port management.
As a pioneering green corridor, this initiative sets the stage for similar projects aimed at turning the Strait of Gibraltar into a global benchmark for green mobility and energy efficiency. It underscores the shared commitment of Spain and Morocco to building a greener economy and fostering sustainable prosperity for future generations.
