Morocco Participates in Launching the First Fully Electric Maritime Corridor between Tangier and Tarifa
The Spanish company “Balearia” has announced the commencement of construction on the world’s first two fully electric ferries, designed to connect the port of Tangier City with the Spanish port of Tarifa. This initiative is seen as the beginning of the first “green maritime corridor” free from carbon emissions between the continents of Africa and Europe, with an expected completion timeline of 2027.
According to the technical data revealed by the company, the two ferries are currently being built at the “Astilleros Armon” shipyard in the city of Gijón, Spain. Each ferry will be equipped with massive electric batteries with a capacity of up to 13,000 kilowatt-hours, allowing it to travel a distance of 18 nautical miles without any polluting emissions or noise, marking a first in sustainable maritime transport.
The project accompanies a series of investments in the infrastructure of the Tangier and Tarifa ports, including the installation of electric energy storage systems with a capacity of 8 megawatt-hours in each port, along with the construction of advanced ground charging stations that can supply the ferries with electricity in less than 40 minutes, thanks to high-speed automated charging arms.
Each ferry will accommodate 804 passengers and 225 vehicles, with a cruising speed of 26 knots and will utilize advanced technologies to ensure passenger comfort and safety, including the “T-Foil” system for marine stability, and smart maneuvering techniques that speed up docking operations and improve operational efficiency.
Adolfo Utor, President of Balearia, confirmed that this project represents a “qualitative shift” in the company’s commitment to climate goals, emphasizing that achieving carbon neutrality is no longer an unattainable goal but a realistic horizon by 2027. He also highlighted that the electrical connection between Tangier and Tarifa will enhance economic integration between the two shores and will create opportunities for sustainable development and new job creation in the region.
