Spain’s maritime transport sector is moving decisively to strengthen its foothold in the Strait of Gibraltar passenger market, with two major acquisition deals filed before Morocco’s Competition Council just months ahead of the annual Marhaba operation — the largest seasonal maritime movement between Europe and North Africa. The 2025 edition of Operation Marhaba, which ran from June 10 to September 15, welcomed a record 4.06 million Moroccan residents abroad — an 11% increase over 2024 — with daily crossing peaks exceeding 86,000 passengers. Twenty-nine vessels operated by seven companies handled 12 routes connecting Morocco to ports in Spain, France, and Italy, underscoring the enormous commercial stakes tied to the annual transit season. Bilateral coordination between Moroccan and Spanish authorities included dedicated meetings in Cadiz, focused on managing peak-period flows, improving system interoperability, and ensuring passenger safety across one of the Mediterranean’s busiest maritime corridors. The consolidation of Spanish operators comes as Moroccan and Nordic shipping companies intensify competition for market share — raising the prospect of a significantly reshaped competitive landscape by the time Operation Marhaba 2026 launches this summer.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 12, 2026 10:44 UTC