Swedish shipping giant Stena Line has made a significant move into the roll-on/roll-off routes between Europe and Morocco by acquiring a 49% stake in the Moroccan shipping company, Africa Morocco Link. This strategic expansion boosts Stena Line's Ro-Ro presence in the Mediterranean, marking its entry into the routes between Europe and Morocco. The transaction, announced on April 8, 2024, sees Stena Line partnering with Africa Morocco Link, a company based in Tangier that operates a route between this port and the Spanish port of Algeciras, primarily used for wheeled cargo. In the summer of 2024, the company will initiate a new connection from Tangier Ville to Tarifa, which will be exclusively open to cars and passengers.
"The Strait of Gibraltar is a strategic location for passengers traveling between Africa and Europe, as well as for global trade, and freight volumes in the area are expected to increase in the coming years due to positive industrial growth and international trade in Morocco," explains Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line. He adds, "These routes, the related ports, and the surrounding industries are under development and are expected to drive healthy freight market growth over the next decade. It's an incredibly interesting area to operate in." The deal is still pending approval from Moroccan authorities.
