The Moroccan company AML recently leased an old vessel to operate the “Khezira – Tangier Med” line. This concerns the Cypriot ferry “Wasa Express,” through a limited lease agreement for a duration of five months, renewable.
Specialized sources mentioned that this ferry entered service in 1981 at the Wärtsilä shipyard in Helsinki, Finland. It is one of the oldest ships operating on maritime lines between Europe and Morocco.
The aforementioned vessel has undergone several modifications over the decades. Its total capacity is 17,046 tons and a net weight of 4,150 tons. It is 141 meters long, 22.8 meters wide, with a draft depth of 4.95 meters.
Wasa Express accommodates about 1,500 passengers, including 316 in cabins, with a garage for 450 cars and 1,150 linear meters of cargo.
Despite its long record and service with several Spanish companies, AML’s choice of this ferry raises questions about its effectiveness compared to modern ships. Especially regarding safety, fuel consumption, and the high maintenance costs associated with vessels over 40 years old.
AML has previously used another old vessel during the Marhaba 2025 crossing. This highlights the company’s reliance on old ships to manage its vital lines between Morocco and Europe, despite the potential risks and operational challenges associated with them.
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