Casablanca – In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable transportation, Baleària has announced the launch of a revolutionary maritime route between Spain and Morocco, set to be the world’s first 100% electric, zero-emission intercontinental line. The new green corridor will connect the cities of Tarifa, Spain, and Tangier Ville, Morocco, providing an environmentally friendly and fast transportation link across the Strait of Gibraltar.

The announcement was made during the 45th edition of the International Tourism Fair (Fitur 2025) in Madrid, where the Spanish shipping company unveiled its ambitious plan to build and operate two state-of-the-art, electric fast ferries. These twin catamarans will make the 18-mile journey across the Strait using only electric propulsion, which will completely eliminate direct emissions during the trip. Each ferry will be powered by 11,500 kWh batteries, ensuring a smooth and eco-efficient ride at a maximum speed of 26 knots.

The new service is a significant step toward achieving Baleària’s sustainability goals, with the company aiming to become carbon-neutral by 2050. This milestone will be reached through the creation of a fleet of innovative vessels, starting with the two electric ferries designed specifically for the Tarifa-Tangier Ville route. The project, which includes the electrification of both ports and the installation of advanced battery charging systems, will contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of maritime transport in the region.

The public-private initiative was made possible by the Port Authority of Algeciras Bay (APBA), which awarded the contract to Baleària in December 2024. In selecting Baleària to manage the route for the next 15 years, the APBA prioritized sustainability and technical innovation as key factors. According to Baleària’s president, Adolfo Utor, the initiative not only demonstrates the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability but also positions the new line as a model of modern, international mobility.

“We are taking on the challenge of making the Tarifa-Tangier Ville route a global benchmark for innovation and sustainability,” said Utor during the presentation. “This is a pioneering and technologically advanced public-private project that will enable us to complete the entire journey using only electric energy and, therefore, with zero emissions.”

The two electric ferries will be built at Astilleros Armon in Gijón, Spain, with construction expected to take around two and a half years. Each vessel will feature four electric propellers powered by the 11,500 kWh battery packs. In addition to eliminating emissions, the electric propulsion system will also reduce noise and vibrations, enhancing the passenger experience. However, the ferries will also be equipped with four diesel backup generators, ensuring they can continue to operate in case of emergency situations.

The ports at Tarifa and Tangier Ville will be equipped with specialized infrastructure to support the electric ferries. The batteries will be fully recharged during the vessels’ one-hour stopovers at each port, using innovative robotic arms that will connect to the ships’ Onshore Power System (OPS) to provide a fast and efficient charging process. The recharging systems in both ports will feature a combined total capacity of 13 MW, enabling the vessels to be ready for their next journey in just 40 minutes.

Baleària’s focus on sustainability extends beyond the electric vessels themselves. The company plans to make the Tarifa-Tangier Ville route a hub for green energy and innovation. As part of this initiative, Baleària intends to turn the route into an engine for local economic development, fostering job creation and opportunities for collaboration with local industries. The project is also expected to boost the commercial and tourism exchanges between Spain and Morocco.

The significance of this project was underscored by the participation of key stakeholders in the Fitur presentation, including José Antonio Santano, Spain’s Secretary of State for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, and Karima Benyaich, the Ambassador of Morocco to Spain. Santano commended Baleària for its efforts to decarbonize its fleet, while Benyaich highlighted the potential for this innovative route to strengthen bilateral ties between Spain and Morocco.

The new Tarifa-Tangier Ville line will not only provide a sustainable transportation solution but also act as a testbed for future green maritime initiatives. It could serve as a blueprint for other intercontinental ferry routes worldwide, promoting the integration of renewable energy and cutting-edge technology into the maritime sector.

As part of its broader sustainability strategy, Baleària is already operating two electric vessels in its fleet and has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The company is dedicated to leading the way in green maritime transport, paving the way for a more sustainable future across the globe.