A ferry chartered by AML collided with the second dock at the Algeciras passenger terminal while preparing to dock after arriving from Morocco last Thursday.
The incident involving the “AF CLAUDIA,” which was hired to increase AML’s services during the “Marhaba 2025” transit operation, resulted in barriers falling and damage to the passenger boarding bridge. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries either at the port or on board the vessel.
As a precaution, the Algeciras Port Authority decided to suspend operations at the affected dock until repairs to the damaged fenders are completed and a thorough inspection of the impacted facilities is conducted.
Despite this partial halt, maritime traffic and operations at the port were not affected, as the four other docks continued to receive ships normally, particularly those operating on the Algeciras-Tanger-Med route.
The “AF CLAUDIA,” built in 2001, is designed for transporting passengers and vehicles. It recently joined AML’s fleet connecting Spain and Morocco as part of the effort to enhance travel under the Marhaba 2025 initiative.
Previous Incidents Involving AML
November 2019: The Morocco Sun (previously named Le Rif) was banned from docking at Algeciras due to harmful emissions deemed dangerous to the environment, necessitating engine replacements.
August 2023: During the Marhaba operation, a fire broke out in a generator aboard the Morocco Star between Tanger-Med and Algeciras, leading to a diversion to Gibraltar for repairs.
December 31, 2024: During a journey from Algeciras to Tanger, one of AML’s vessels experienced unexpected congestion after Tarifa Port was closed, resulting in a one-hour delay before docking due to unclear navigational instructions.
