Marhaba 2026: ferry reinforcement AF Claudia and AML Nador-Almería, what MRE need to know
Just 4 days before Operation Marhaba 2026 kicks off, Africa Morocco Link rolls out two major reinforcements: the AF Claudia chartered on Algeciras-Tanger Med from June 26, and the relaunched Nador-Almería line from June 10 to September 15. Over 2,500 additional seats per crossing to absorb the announced record peak.
In short
Four days before the official launch of Operation Marhaba 2026 (June 5 to September 15), Africa Morocco Link (AML) is rolling out two major reinforcements to absorb the MRE inflow and meet the record announced after 4 million returns in summer 2025.
- •AF Claudia: Italian ferry chartered by AML, 1,000 passengers + 75 cars + 2,100 linear meters for heavy goods vehicles, first commercial crossing Algeciras-Tanger Med on June 26, 2026 (arrival in Algeciras on June 23)
- •AML Nador-Almería: seasonal line relaunched, 1,500 passengers + 400 vehicles per crossing, from June 10 to September 15, 2026
- •+2,500 additional seats per cumulative crossing on the two busiest axes of the strait
- •Nador-Almería fares: €67 to €780 depending on period and vehicle type
- •Bilateral Morocco-Spain meeting held in Tangier on May 7, 2026, presented as the largest cross-border transit operation ever conducted
- •2025 outcome: over 4 million MRE welcomed, baseline for 2026
Both reinforcements at a glance
| Reinforcement | Route | Capacity | Period | First crossing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AF Claudia (AML) | Algeciras ↔ Tanger Med | 1,000 passengers, 75 cars, 2,100 linear meters trucks | Marhaba 2026 season | June 26, 2026 from Algeciras |
| AML Nador-Almería | Nador ↔ Almería | 1,500 passengers, 400 vehicles | June 10 → September 15, 2026 | June 10, 2026 |
AF Claudia: the Italian vessel chartered on Algeciras-Tanger Med
AML specifically chartered the AF Claudia for the Marhaba 2026 season on the busiest line of the Strait of Gibraltar. The Italian vessel, entered service in April 2001, measures 186.49 meters long and 25.60 meters wide, with a cruising speed of 22 knots and a gross tonnage of 25,000 tons.
Capacity: 1,000 passengers, 75 cars and 2,100 linear meters of garage for heavy goods vehicles. This last feature matters for MRE traveling with a large vehicle (camper van, converted van) or for freight carriers.
Arrival at Algeciras port is announced for June 23, 2026, and the first commercial Algeciras-Tanger Med crossing for June 26, 2026. The vessel is chartered, not purchased: a purely seasonal reinforcement to absorb the July-August peak.
AML Nador-Almería: line relaunched for the Rif diaspora
The Nador-Almería maritime line had been temporarily suspended at the end of summer 2024. Africa Morocco Link reopens it for the Marhaba 2026 season from June 10 to September 15, with a mid-size vessel carrying up to 1,500 passengers and 400 vehicles per crossing.
This reopening specifically concerns MRE from the eastern Rif (Nador, Al Hoceima, Oriental region) living in Spain, France or the Netherlands. It complements the GNV Almería-Nador line launched earlier in 2026 and the historical Trasmediterránea and Balearia rotations.
Announced fares range from €67 to €780 depending on season, vehicle type and cabin class. For comparison on the same route, Balearia averages €66 per adult without vehicle on a round trip, and about €182 with a car.
Morocco-Spain coordination: context of a record operation
On May 7, 2026, a bilateral Morocco-Spain meeting was held in Tangier to launch Marhaba 2026 coordination, described by Spanish authorities as the largest cross-border transit operation ever conducted. Both countries mobilize joint resources beyond previous editions' standards:
- •Customs and border police reinforced on both sides of the strait
- •Operator schedule coordination to smooth arrivals
- •Moroccan consulates in Spain mobilized 7 days a week, weekends and public holidays included
- •Multi-million MAD investments announced on Moroccan port and airport infrastructure
This joint preparation answers a 2025 figure that already exceeded 4 million MRE welcomed across the season, according to the official Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity report. 2026 is expected to reach, or exceed, this volume.
Practical tips for MRE booking now
Four days before the launch, here are the right moves for those who have not confirmed their crossing yet:
- •Book at least 1 month before your desired departure for July-August slots. On peak crossings (July 20 to August 15), available tickets often sell out within hours.
- •Systematically compare the 4 main operators on your line: AML, FRS, Trasmediterránea-Armas, Balearia. For Nador-Almería, add GNV and Naviera Armas.
- •Prefer midweek departures (Tuesday-Thursday) over Friday-Sunday: typically 15 to 30% cheaper fares, shorter waits.
- •Check the active customs allowance: MAD 25,000 for non-resident MRE on holidays (Marhaba), MAD 30,000 for definitive return. ADII Circular Note 6568/311 of May 30, 2024 still applies.
- •Prepare form D16ter for temporary vehicle admission: 180 days maximum, free, printable from douane.gov.ma before departure to save time at the crossing.
- •Subscribe to border insurance (Morocco Green Card) if your European insurance contract does not cover Morocco. Indicative price: €25 to €80 depending on duration and vehicle type.
Operators comparison across the Strait of Gibraltar
| Operator | Algeciras-Tanger Med | Tarifa-Tanger City | Algeciras-Ceuta | Nador-Almería |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AML (Africa Morocco Link) | Yes, reinforced by AF Claudia | No | No | Yes, June 10 to September 15 |
| FRS Iberia | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Trasmediterránea-Armas | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Balearia | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GNV | No | No | No | Yes (2026 launch) |
| Naviera Armas | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Crossing durations range from 1h to 1h30 on Algeciras-Tanger Med, about 1h on Tarifa-Tanger City (fast), and 6h30 to 8h on Nador-Almería (long, usually overnight crossing).
Frequently asked questions
Is the AF Claudia a new AML vessel or a temporary charter?
The AF Claudia is chartered by Africa Morocco Link only for the Marhaba 2026 season. It's a seasonal reinforcement, not a purchase. The vessel will return to its original operation after the season. AML had already chartered an Italian ferry in 2025 for OPE (Operación Paso del Estrecho), evidence of a recurring strategy.
Why is AML relaunching the Nador-Almería line only now?
The line had been temporarily suspended at the end of 2024 for technical and commercial reasons. Its relaunch for Marhaba 2026 answers the demand pressure from the eastern Rif diaspora settled in Europe, and the strengthened coordination with Spanish authorities announced on May 7, 2026 in Tangier.
Should I book now or wait for last-minute deals?
Four days before launch and with a record announced, waiting for promotions is risky. On July-August peaks, carriers historically have little reason to lower prices. The reasonable fare window is rather early or late season (June and September). For departures between July 15 and August 15, book immediately if you don't have a ticket yet.
What customs documents are essential at the Marhaba crossing?
Valid passport or CNIE, vehicle registration in the traveler's name, insurance certificate valid in Morocco, form D16ter for temporary vehicle admission (180 days), and cash declaration if you carry more than MAD 100,000 or €10,000 (Moroccan and French customs forms).
Can my underage children travel alone on the Marhaba ferry?
Maritime companies generally accept unaccompanied minors from age 14, with legalized parental authorization and a copy of at least one parent's ID. Check your carrier's specific conditions before booking: AML and FRS impose slightly different rules in this category.
What's the alternative if all Marhaba crossings are full?
Three options: (1) Sète-Tanger Med line (GNV) from southern France, 38h crossing but less saturated, (2) Marseille-Tanger Med line (CTN), (3) classic flight to Casablanca / Tangier / Rabat with car rental on arrival. For MRE based in Italy or Germany, flying remains often faster than transiting through Spain in July-August.
Sources
- •Africa Morocco Link, official communication on AF Claudia charter (June 2026)
- •Maghreb Maritime, opening of AML Almería-Nador 2026 bookings
- •Atalayar, "Operation Marhaba 2026: Spain and Morocco launch coordination efforts in Tangier", May 7, 2026
- •LesEco.ma, "Marhaba 2026: Morocco engages major investments"
- •Ulysse.com, AF Claudia technical sheet
- •Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, official Marhaba 2025 report (over 4 million MRE)
- •ADII Circular Note 6568/311 of May 30, 2024 (customs allowance, form D16ter)
- •Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 on EES (residence permit exemption, Article 2(3))
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