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Tag: Operation Marhaba | Ferry Shipping News

Jun 17
2

King Mohammed VI of Morocco pleads for Fair Ferry Prices

By | 2021 Newsletter week 24 | No Comments

In an official statement (Statement, in French), HRH Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, asks all companies involved in the seasonal migration of Moroccan expats, to keep the levels of pricing fair, for both ferry crossings and flights.

Recently the Moroccan Government stated that the return of Moroccan emigrants –known as Operation Marhaba– will be made exclusively “from the same transit ports as last year” (= Marseille, Sète, Genoa). Again, no Spain.

The Government asks for more capacity on the routes, and it is also rumoured to look at a connection Tanger Med – Portimao (Portugal).

Planned capacity is actually 48,000 pax and 15,000 cars, every week between 15 June and 15 September (source: El Confidencial)

Officially the decision not to use the Spanish ports is because of the pandemic, but most observers feel it is a political issue.

Jun 20
0

TOP STORY

By | 2019 Newsletter week 25 | No Comments

Maelir AB Becomes Viking Line’s Largest Individual Owner

On Wednesday 19 June, Maelir AB acquired just over 17.1% of Viking Line Abp.

Maelir AB is a private holding company based in Stockholm. It is active in real estate, hospitality and shipping.

After the transaction, Maelir’s ownership in Viking Line amounts to 17.75%. From now on Maelir is Viking Line’s largest individual owner.

Sellers include the companies Ab Rafael and Rafael Investering Ab.

Rafael Mattsson co-founded Rederiaktiebolaget Vikinglinjen, which later became Viking Line Abp. He was also the founder of the company which today constitutes both Ab Rafael and Rafael Investing Ab. For a long time, he was board member of Viking Line, and CEO ad interim when co-founder Gunnar Eklund retired.

The ownership structure before the transaction can be seen here
Jun 20
0

FERRY SHIPPING

By | 2019 Newsletter week 25 | No Comments

What is Operation Marhaba? Each year many Moroccan expats travel to their home country during summer. Known as ‘Operation Marhaba 2019’, this migration sees a huge peak in ferry travel across the Western Mediterranean and Strait of Gibraltar. In the beginning of summer to go south, at the end they head back north.

When? From 5 June till 15 September 2019.

Numbers:  28 Ferries on 11 Routes.

What has been improved?

  • Algeciras – Tanger Med
  • +8% daily rotations: 13 ferries offer 53 daily rotations
  • +11% passenger capacity 47,210
  • +13% car capacity 12,895

Almeria – Nador

  • +30% daily rotations: 4 ferries offer 6.5 daily rotations
  • +56% passenger capacity 7,800
  • +62% car capacity 2,185

Busiest periods

Southbound peak period is 14-21 July and 25 July- 8 August, with 5,000 cars and 18,000 pax per day.

Northbound peak period starts mid-August, with more than 5,000 cars and 18,000 pax per day, until 2 September.

Jun 20
0

Spain and Morocco Are Ready for Operation Marhaba 2019

By | 2019 Newsletter week 25 | No Comments

What is Operation Marhaba? Each year many Moroccan expats travel to their home country during summer. Known as ‘Operation Marhaba 2019’, this migration sees a huge peak in ferry travel across the Western Mediterranean and Strait of Gibraltar. In the beginning of summer to go south, at the end they head back north.

When? From 5 June till 15 September 2019.

Numbers:  28 Ferries on 11 Routes.

What has been improved?

  • Algeciras – Tanger Med
  • +8% daily rotations: 13 ferries offer 53 daily rotations
  • +11% passenger capacity 47,210
  • +13% car capacity 12,895

Almeria – Nador

  • +30% daily rotations: 4 ferries offer 6.5 daily rotations
  • +56% passenger capacity 7,800
  • +62% car capacity 2,185

Busiest periods

Southbound peak period is 14-21 July and 25 July- 8 August, with 5,000 cars and 18,000 pax per day.

Northbound peak period starts mid-August, with more than 5,000 cars and 18,000 pax per day, until 2 September.