Spanish ferry operator Baleària has unveiled a groundbreaking plan to launch fully electric maritime shuttles connecting the port of Tangier City with Tarifa in southern Spain. Announced Tuesday in Tangier, the initiative marks a major step toward decarbonizing short-sea transport across one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. The two state-of-the-art ferries are set to begin operations in 2027, aiming to deliver a zero-emission alternative to traditional cross-strait travel.
This bold venture is part of a public-private initiative focused on creating a green shipping route between Africa and Europe. As the Strait of Gibraltar remains a key chokepoint for global trade and tourism, the project signals a turning point in regional sustainability efforts.
Both vessels will be built in Spain and powered entirely by electricity. Equipped with four electric thrusters and massive 11,500 kWh battery packs, each ferry will generate 16 megawatts of propulsion—enough to complete the entire trip without a drop of fuel. The route will be completely silent and emission-free, aligning with the European Union’s long-term climate goals for carbon neutrality by 2050, and even getting a head start with full compliance by 2027.
To ensure uninterrupted service, advanced charging infrastructure will be installed at both terminals. In Tangier and Tarifa, charging hubs will include onshore power supplies of 5 to 8 megawatts, along with battery storage systems holding up to 8 MWh. The ferries will recharge during each one-hour turnaround using autonomous robotic arms, capable of completing a full recharge in just 40 minutes.
Each vessel will accommodate 804 passengers and 225 vehicles, cruising at a speed of 26 knots. Designed with passenger comfort in mind, the ferries will feature spacious, naturally lit interiors, high-performance stabilization systems to reduce motion, and enhanced docking technology to streamline maneuvering at port.
This project is part of a wider strategy led by the Moroccan Ministry of Transport to improve maritime connectivity, especially during peak periods like Operation Marhaba, which supports trans-Mediterranean travel for millions of passengers. For the 2025 season alone, 29 vessels will be deployed to link four Moroccan ports with 12 terminals across Europe, offering weekly capacity for half a million travelers and 130,000 vehicles.
