More than 3.2 million passengers and nearly 739,000 vehicles passed through Moroccan ports between June 10 and September 15 as part of Operation Marhaba 2025, announced Transport Minister Abdessamad Kayouh on Wednesday in Rabat. These figures mark a 7% increase in passengers and 6% in vehicles compared to 2024. Kayouh said the ministry operated 13 maritime routes linking four Moroccan ports, Tanger Med, Tangier Ville, Nador, and Al Hoceima, to nine European destinations, including Algeciras, Tarifa, Marseille, and Barcelona. A total of 29 vessels from seven companies ensured more than 500 weekly crossings, with a combined capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles. The minister highlighted new measures to improve efficiency and safety, such as stricter compliance with international standards, closer monitoring of onboard services and ticket prices, and the introduction of a mandatory advance reservation system for all routes. For the first time, travelers needed a same-day ticket to access Tanger Med port, a change Kayouh described as a key factor behind this year's success. He also praised the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, the Interior Ministry, and all partners for their coordination. According to Amine El Karam, Director of Port Security at the National Ports Agency, the ANP mobilized all human and logistical resources to ensure smooth and secure operations. This year's edition also saw the opening of Nador's new passenger terminal and the launch of a new maritime line between Nador and Marseille, boosting traffic. Jaafar Amiar, Director of Tanger Med Passenger Port, said the hub handled 1.8 million passengers (+4%) and 463,000 vehicles (+3%), accounting for more than half of all traffic nationwide. Officials agreed the success of Marhaba 2025 reflects strong coordination among national authorities to facilitate the return and departure of Moroccans living abroad.
