Maritime traffic resumes between Spain and Morocco after weather disruptions

Ferry services between Morocco and Spain cautiously resumed on Friday following a suspension caused by severe weather conditions on Thursday. Strong winds reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour and hazardous wave conditions had significantly impacted maritime travel across the Strait of Gibraltar.

The Port Authority of Tangier Med has authorized an increase in scheduled trips to tackle the backlog created by the previous day’s cancellations. Notably, high-speed ferries operated by Armas Trasmediterránea and Baleària, as well as Baleària’s conventional ferry service, have returned to normal operations, thanks to an improvement in weather conditions.

However, connections between Tarifa and Tangier City remain suspended due to ongoing adverse weather. The disruptions on Thursday were attributed to wind speeds that exceeded 70 kilometers per hour, combined with treacherous wave conditions that rendered navigation perilous in the Strait.

By Friday, conditions had significantly improved, with wind speeds dropping to an average of 22 kilometers per hour and gusts ranging between 30 and 35 kilometers per hour, allowing for safer maritime passage.

This incident marks the second weather-related disruption within a week. On Tuesday, unfavorable weather conditions had already affected passenger movement between Algeciras, Tarifa, and Tangier ports, resulting in numerous cancellations and delays.

Port authorities have urged passengers to reach out to their respective shipping companies for updates regarding potential delays or cancellations of scheduled trips.

Looking ahead, maritime traffic between Tangier Med and Spanish ports remains vulnerable to weather fluctuations, with forecasts indicating another possible suspension next Tuesday due to anticipated strong winds and maritime disturbances in the region. These disruptions coincide with a period of intense atmospheric pressure shifts affecting the area since early March, leading to storms and powerful winds that have caused widespread flooding across several countries. Interestingly, these weather patterns are also helping to alleviate the drought conditions that have plagued the region in recent years.