Morocco probes shipping companies for Operation Marhaba

The Directorate of the Moroccan Merchant Navy called on the companies operating between the two shores of the Strait of Gibraltar to present a «fleet plan as part of the preparations for the next operation Marhaba».

For the time being, the Paso del Estrecho operation in Spain and Marhaba operation in Morocco have not been officially announced, EFE reported.

However, the traditional government meetings between the two countries have not yet taken place. This year the question remains whether or not the operation will take place, after its historic suspension last year due to the pandemic.

After several months of uncertainty, the 2020 edition of the operation had been canceled, but a few shipping lines for passengers remained operational, in particular from Sète (France) and Genoa (Italy) to Tangier. 

This crossing represents the largest movement of people and vehicles in the world between two continents, recalls EFE. In 2019, 3,340,045 passengers and 760,215 crossed to Morocco. In addition to allowing family visits in summer, Operation Marhaba in Morocco is a boost for the economy of the two countries.