Latest news with #Kayouh
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Tanger-Tarifa Zero-Emission Electric Maritime Route to Launch by 2027
Marrakech – Spanish maritime company Baleària presented a groundbreaking project in Tangier on Tuesday for an electric maritime connection between the northern Moroccan city and Tarifa. The initiative will deploy two zero-emission 'fast ferries' scheduled to begin service in 2027. The project presentation ceremony took place with several high-ranking officials in attendance, including Morocco's Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, and Spain's Ambassador to Morocco, Enrique Ojeda. Other notable attendees included the president of the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras, the president of Tangier City Port, the Spanish Secretary General for Air and Maritime Transport, and the president of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council. This public-private partnership aims to establish a 'green corridor' between Europe and Africa, enabling a completely electric, CO2-free crossing between the two shores of the Strait of Gibraltar. The project encompasses the construction of twin vessels in Spain and the installation of necessary electrical charging infrastructure in both Tangier and Tarifa ports. In a statement to MAP, Kayouh said that strengthening the maritime fleet is part of a broader strategy to ensure smooth and sustainable mobility, particularly during Operation Marhaba, supervised by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity. He noted that the ministry is supporting this operation by mobilizing approximately 29 ships with a weekly capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles, operating through four Moroccan ports and twelve European ports. 'Our goal is to provide the maximum number of vessels to meet growing demand and ensure the best crossing conditions for Moroccans living abroad,' Kayouh stated. Baleària Director General Georges Bassoul detailed that each vessel will develop 16 MW of electric power generated by four electric propellers powered by batteries with a capacity of 11,500 kWh. This configuration will allow the ships to complete the entire crossing using only electric propulsion without generating emissions. During a technical presentation, Bassoul said these will be completely decarbonized journeys, meeting 2050 objectives as early as 2027. He explained that electric propulsion will eliminate not only emissions but also noise and vibrations. Each ship will be equipped with four diesel backup generators with a total power of 11,200 kW, designed for potential emergency situations. The complete recharging of the fast ferries' batteries will occur during the scheduled one-hour stopover in each city. Storage systems with 8 MWh gross batteries will be installed in both ports, supplementing the land-based electricity supply of 5 MW in Tarifa and 8 MW in Tangier. Bassoul added that the vessels will be charged by two innovative autonomous robotic arms capable of recharging the batteries necessary for crossing in just 40 minutes. The twin vessels will be 25 meters wide with a capacity for 804 passengers and 225 vehicles, reaching a maximum speed of 26 knots. Passenger comfort will be enhanced by spacious, well-lit interiors with numerous amenities and a T-Foil system that reduces the ship's vertical movement. The ferries will feature high maneuverability thanks to deck fins, two bow thrusters, and four rudders. They will also be equipped with two high-capacity ramps at the stern, designed for faster operations and maneuvers during port stays. Read also: Morocco's Maritime Fleet Declines to 17 Ships, Government Plans Revival Strategy Tags: BaleariaMaritime RouteSpanish company BaleariaTangier and Tarifa
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Maritime Fleet Declines to 17 Ships, Government Plans Revival Strategy
Marrakech – Morocco's maritime transport fleet has dramatically declined to just 17 vessels, down from approximately 70 ships in the 1960s and 1970s, according to Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh. Kayouh made his remarks during Monday's oral questions session at the House of Representatives. 'Most of these vessels are owned by foreign operators,' Kayouh noted, stressing the severity of the decline. In response to the royal speech on the 48th anniversary of the Green March, the ministry has initiated a comprehensive study to revitalize Morocco's maritime capabilities. The initiative aims to facilitate the movement of Moroccan citizens and enhance the country's logistical sovereignty. The strategic study involves multiple government departments through a steering committee. Key participants include the Ministries of Equipment and Water, Industry and Trade, Energy Transition, Finance, Interior, and Investment – all with direct roles in maritime transport operations. Kayouh promised that ministry officials would complete the study within a month. 'The results will be published for the public to develop a roadmap for upgrading the maritime transport sector,' he confirmed. Abderrahman El Amri, a member of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), corroborated the minister's figures. He specified that 'Morocco's fleet of commercial ships in the 1980s was 73 ships before sharply declining to 11 ships in 2020,' attributing this decrease to 'the accumulation of company debts.' El Amri further explained that 'the percentage of foreign trade conducted via Moroccan commercial ships does not exceed 5 percent only, which is very unfortunate.' He pointed out that maritime connectivity is a fundamental factor in the success of the Atlantic Initiative launched by King Mohammed VI and in strengthening maritime links with African coastal countries. Regarding the ministry's strategy to reduce maritime transport ticket prices for Moroccans living abroad, Kayouh reported that preparations for Operation Marhaba 2025 include ensuring capacity and securing various transportation services. For maritime transport specifically, 29 vessels will be available with a weekly capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles, distributed across 13 maritime lines. This translates to 7.5 million passengers, 2 million vehicles, and 7,800 weekly trips. For air transport, Kayouh revealed that the ministry is working with various operators. They have authorized 59 airlines to secure approximately 2,235 flights between Moroccan airports and 141 international airports. The Atlantic African region faces serious challenges related to resource sustainability and security that require robust maritime governance. Effective maritime management is essential for the region, which benefits from an exceptional ocean frontage. These maritime capabilities are increasingly vital for Morocco's strategic initiatives and economic competitiveness, particularly as the country seeks to strengthen its logistical sovereignty and facilitate smoother trade exchanges in a context where these have become national priorities.
Maroc
4 days ago
- Business
- Maroc
'Marhaba': Morocco Prepares for Transit of 7.5 Million Passengers, 2 Million Vehicles via 13 Maritime Routes- Minister
The Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, announced on Monday at the House of Representatives that, in preparation for the 'Marhaba' operation, his department has taken a range of measures, in close coordination with all stakeholders, to ensure the transport of 7.5 million passengers and 2 million vehicles via 13 maritime routes. In response to a question on "transport fares across all modes," Kayouh stated that 29 ships have been mobilized, with a weekly capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles, distributed over 13 maritime lines, totaling 7.5 million travelers, 2 million vehicles, and 7,800 crossings. He added that authorizations have been granted to 59 airline companies to operate approximately 2,135 weekly flights between Moroccan airports and 141 international airports. Kayouh also noted that the Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has mobilized four additional aircraft for the summer period and will offer a total of 6.6 million seats- an increase of 700,000 seats compared to 2024- reflecting RAM's commitment and involvement in efforts to facilitate the return of Moroccans residing abroad. The minister recalled that, as part of its strategic choices, the Kingdom adopted the 'Open Sky' policy in 2006 - a decision that has paid off, with over 50 airline companies, including several low-cost carriers, now operating in Morocco and connecting the country to numerous destinations, mainly in Europe. MAP: 23 June 2025
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Marhaba 2025: Morocco Prepares to Facilitate Travel of 7.5 Million Passengers
Rabat – Morocco's Ministry of Transport announced a strategy to facilitate the travel of 7.5 million passengers and two million vehicles across 13 maritime routes as part of the 2025 Marhaba Operation. Minister of Transport Abdessamad Kayouh announced on Monday the news at the House of Representatives, noting that 29 ships have been mobilized with a weekly capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles spread across 13 maritime lines. Authorizations have also been granted to 59 airlines to operate around 2,135 weekly flights between Moroccan airports and 141 international airports. Kayouh also commented on Royal Air Maroc's deployment and contribution to the operation, noting that the carrier mobilized four additional aircraft for the summer season. It will offer a total of 6.6 million seats, an increase of 700,000 seats compared to 2024, the minister said, adding that Royal Air Maroc's summer program reflects the carrier's commitment and support for efforts to facilitate the return of Moroccans living abroad. Morocco adopted the 'Open Sky' policy in 2006, a decision that has contributed to the logistics sector with over 50 airlines, including several low-cost carriers. Marhaba operation is an annual initiative that Morocco launches to facilitate the transit of Moroccans from June to September. Last year, Moroccan authorities stressed that over 2.8 million passengers, including 2 million Moroccans living abroad and 662,000 vehicles, transited through Moroccan ports during last year's edition.
Ya Biladi
4 days ago
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Marhaba 2025 : 7.5 million passengers, 2 million vehicles, and 7,800 crossings
The Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, announced on Monday before the House of Representatives that, in preparation for Operation Marhaba 2025, his department has implemented a series of measures in coordination with all stakeholders to ensure the transport of 7.5 million travelers and 2 million vehicles across 13 maritime routes. In response to a question about transportation fares across all modes, Kayouh said that 29 ships have been mobilized, offering a weekly capacity of 500,000 passengers and 130,000 vehicles, for a total of 7.5 million travelers, 2 million vehicles, and 7,800 crossings. He also noted that 59 airlines have been authorized to operate approximately 2,135 weekly flights between Moroccan airports and 141 international destinations. As for Royal Air Maroc (RAM), the national carrier has added four aircraft to its fleet for the summer season. It will provide 6.6 million seats, an increase of 700,000 compared to 2024, reflecting the ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of Moroccans living abroad. The minister recalled that, as part of Morocco's strategic choices, the country adopted an Open Sky policy in 2006. This decision has paid off, with more than 50 airlines, including several low-cost carriers, now operating in Morocco and connecting it to numerous European destinations.
