Operation Crossing the Strait: a month of achievements, progress and records
Since the operation began on 13 June, in just one month, more than 680,000 people and 168,000 vehicles have crossed the Strait, an unprecedented success. The increase in security, the collaboration of the authorities and the increase in routes have been fundamental in guaranteeing the safety and fluidity of traffic, which has led to an increase of 4.1% over the previous year, with 27,000 more people and 6,000 more vehicles crossing the Strait in one month.
Carrying out Operation Crossing the Strait (OPE) is complex as it involves the participation of multiple agents. Every year, millions of Moroccans living in Europe return to their homeland by crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. This makes the ports of Algeciras and Tarifa the main transit points between Europe and Africa. The OPE is a cross-border logistics operation designed to guarantee safe and efficient journeys.
According to Manuel Sánchez de Alcázar, head of Port Security of the Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras (APBA), it is a "major operation" which requires the cooperation of several countries and the responsibility of all those involved.
Gerardo Landaluce, president of the APBA, stressed that this activity is a "State activity" that requires a high sense of responsibility. This activity has been organised by the Spanish and Moroccan governments, in collaboration with many European countries, since 1986.
The sub-delegate of the Spanish Government in Cadiz, Blanca Flores, has chaired the Technical Advisory Committee of the OPE 2024 in Algeciras, where after the first month she highlighted that "everything is going well, with normality and fluidity, thanks to the coordination of all the relevant agents".
The meeting was held in the Port of Algeciras, where representatives of various institutions and organisations met. Among them were the coordinator of the AGE in the Campo de Gibraltar, Civil Protection of the Government Subdelegation, National Police, Civil Guard, Provincial Traffic Headquarters, Port Authority Bay of Algeciras, Maritime Captaincy of Algeciras, Spanish Red Cross, Local Police and representatives of the shipping companies that offer services to passengers.
According to the reports issued by Civil Protection, the statistical balance recorded a traffic of 677,827 passengers compared to 652,861 in 2023, an increase of 3.9%. As for vehicles, it went from 157,320 units in 2023 to 167,917 units in 2024, an increase of 6.8%. As usual, Algeciras and Tangiers are the first options for travellers, accounting for 70.2% of total passenger and vehicle traffic.
The return operation begins
Similarly, today sees the start of the return operation where thousands of Moroccans resident in Europe will return to the countries where they live. In this regard, the Port Authority of Melilla (APM) has implemented measures to facilitate the movement of people and vehicles in the Port of Melilla within the framework of the resumption of operations across the Strait.
To this end, they have installed a removable marquee in the car saloon of the Tacón Muelle Ribera 1, which has a surface area of 2,000 square metres and a clear height of 4 metres. The aim of this tent is to create an important shaded area for the transit and parking of vehicles, helping passengers to avoid prolonged exposure to the summer sun when boarding.
In addition, two chemical toilets and a water vending machine will be installed on the passenger seat. The presence of the Port Police, in charge of regulating traffic and maintaining order in the area, has also been increased by 6 people. This will improve the efficiency of traffic management and improve passenger safety. Therefore, the installation of new traffic controls and marquees aims to improve the quality of services to passengers in the port of Melilla and to facilitate their transport.
As for the most congested ports, Algeciras remains the nerve centre of passenger traffic. With more than 55% of the total, the Bay of Cadiz is undoubtedly the point of passage most considered by travellers. The connections with Tangier Med and Tangier Ville are the main causes of the large amount of passenger traffic. Specifically, 39% of the passengers who pass through Tangier arrive in Algeciras, 24.4% of the people who come from Ceuta and 11.3% from Nador. In the first 24 hours of operation return, more than 8,700 people in more than 2,589 vehicles have crossed back.
The current figures are slightly lower than on 15 July last year, due to the difference in the day of the week. Last year's July 15th fell on a Sunday, while this year it fell on a Monday. This variation in the day of the week may have influenced the figures, which explains the decrease compared to last year.