The company “Africa Morocco Link” (AML) recently chartered the ship “Monte Express,” which is currently owned by an Egyptian company. This is aimed at enhancing its maritime voyages between the ports of Algeciras and Tangier Med during the “Marhaba 2026” operation.
According to specialized data in the maritime transport sector, the ship was built in the second half of the 1990s, meaning its operational age is nearly three decades, at a time when many shipping companies are moving to modernize their fleets.
The age of the ship has raised interest among maritime observers, especially as it dates back to the 1990s and has changed hands among several owners and operators before settling with an Egyptian company. However, available data do not indicate any technical or regulatory restrictions preventing its operation.
The specialized reports did not clarify the duration of the contract linking the operating company to the ship, nor whether its use falls under a temporary plan to cover the high demand during the summer season or under other operational arrangements.
Furthermore, “Africa Morocco Link” (AML) did not reveal the reasons for choosing this particular ship to enhance the transit season voyages, at a time when several maritime companies are investing in new ships that are more efficient in terms of fuel consumption and emissions.
The “Marhaba” operation is considered one of the largest seasonal transit operations between Europe and Morocco, witnessing a significant increase in the number of travelers from the Moroccan community living abroad, especially on the Algeciras – Tangier Med route, which is one of the busiest maritime routes during the transit operation.
