Latest news with #OperationMarhaba
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
10-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Launches 2025 Marhaba Operation to Welcome Moroccans Abroad
Rabat – Morocco has officially launched the 2025 edition of Operation Marhaba, a long-running campaign to welcome and help Moroccans living abroad on their summer return home. The operation is an annual initiative by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity to welcome the Moroccan diaspora. This year's 25th edition kicked off on June 10, and it's bigger than ever with 26 welcome sites across Morocco and key European countries. The foundation, working with partners, has opened two new sites at Laayoune and Dakhla airports. This means 20 centers are now operational in Morocco's main ports and airports, helping travelers with arrivals and departures. Plus, there are special 'receiving rooms' at rest stops and border crossings like Bab Sebta and Mellil to make peak travel times smoother. Marhaba also has a strong presence in six European ports: Genoa (Italy), Sète and Marseille (France), and Motril, Almería, and Algeciras (Spain). These ports are key entry points for many Moroccans living abroad, and support teams are on hand to offer guidance and assistance even before travelers reach Morocco. Operation Marhaba also provides comprehensive support through a large team of over 1,200 people. This includes social workers, physicians, paramedics, foundation personnel, and volunteers who are available from June 10 to September 15. The entire operation is overseen by a central coordination office in Rabat. This office monitors activities at all reception points, manages resources, and ensures quick responses to any issues. It also runs a 24/7 dedicated helpline for travelers, accessible from Morocco and abroad via specific phone numbers for various countries. Operation Marhaba remains more than a logistical endeavor. It mirrors Morocco's ongoing relationship with its diaspora, a gesture of hospitality and solidarity rooted in shared identity and care. Speaking before the House of Councilors last week, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita outlined this year's key arrangements. The maritime component will include 29 vessels operated by seven shipping companies across 12 routes linking ports in Italy, France, and Spain. Around MAD 28 million ($2.8 million) has been dedicated to enhancing reception infrastructure at Tanger-Med port. This year's operation expects an exceptional flow of roughly 3.5 million travelers, primarily Moroccans living in Europe, marking a 4% rise compared to previous years. Tags: Marhaba 2025Morocco diasporaoperation marhabaOperation Marhaba 2025
Morocco World
28-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Simplifies Vehicle Import Rules for Diaspora in Operation Marhaba 2025
Rabat — Morocco's Customs Administration has announced two major simplifications for vehicle imports as part of Operation Marhaba 2025, the annual program supporting Moroccans living abroad during their summer return visits. 90% tax reduction for senior citizens Moroccans aged 60 and older who have lived abroad for at least 10 years can now receive a 90% tax reduction on their imported vehicle's new-state value. The customs administration has expanded accepted proof of foreign residence beyond consular certificates to include detailed residence history from police prefectures, city halls, or employment departments, residence permits or consular registration cards, foreign identity cards showing overseas addresses, and foreign residence certificates. Provincial and prefectural customs directors can now validate these alternative documents through delegation authority. Streamlined process for permanent returns Moroccans returning permanently to Morocco receive a three-year age reduction when calculating vehicle taxes and duties. This one-time benefit covers one vehicle per person and excludes diplomats and students. The customs administration eliminated previous paperwork requirements that demanded two years of pay slips from wage earners and recent tax documents from merchants and professionals. All other eligibility conditions remain unchanged. Operation Marhaba Launched in 2001 by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, Operation Marhaba coordinates annual support for millions of Moroccan expatriates visiting home. The program manages transportation, customs procedures, and logistical assistance during peak summer travel periods. These customs reforms reflect Morocco's commitment to strengthening ties with its diaspora while reducing bureaucratic barriers. The changes particularly benefit older Moroccans who have established long-term residence abroad and those making permanent returns to their homeland. The customs administration has published an updated official guide online detailing all new provisions. These measures aim to ensure smoother services across all national customs structures during the busy summer travel season when Moroccan communities worldwide return home to visit family and friends. Tags: Custom administrationMoroccan living abroadMoroccooperation marhaba
Ya Biladi
10-02-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan and Spanish interior ministers meet to boost bilateral cooperation
Moroccan Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit and his Spanish counterpart, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, convened in Madrid on February 10, 2025. The meeting focused on deepening dialogue surrounding mutual interests. The ministers expressed their «satisfaction with the excellent partnership between the two nations, built on the sincere friendship and mutual respect between His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God Assist Him, and His Majesty King Don Felipe VI, as well as their respective Royal Families». This partnership has gained strategic momentum, thanks to an ambitious roadmap established on April 7, 2022, following discussions between King Mohammed VI and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The roadmap's implementation continues with determination. On shared security issues, the ministers highlighted the depth and effectiveness of their bilateral cooperation. They noted significant achievements, particularly in thwarting criminal and terrorist threats across the Mediterranean. To enhance security, they agreed to bolster anticipation capabilities, operational coordination, and the exchange of information and expertise. Regarding migration, the ministers underscored the importance of active solidarity in combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking. They committed to promoting regular and organized migratory flows to foster closer ties between their peoples. They also praised initiatives within the Groupe Migratoire Mixte Permanent (GMMP), which plays a crucial role in this cooperation. The ministers lauded the success of Operation Marhaba/Transit 2024 and discussed preparations for the 2025 edition. This operation stands as a model of harmonious cooperation between both countries' institutions. They acknowledged the decisive role of the Fondation Mohammed V pour la Solidarité in ensuring its success. In terms of international events, the leaders discussed coordinating the organization of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. They emphasized optimizing synergies among the three host countries to ensure the event's success. Finally, the ministers praised the spirit of solidarity uniting the Moroccan and Spanish peoples. This was recently exemplified by Spanish rescue teams' deployment following the Al Haouz earthquake and Moroccan teams' assistance during severe weather in the Valencian Community.
