Spain’s annual Operation Paso del Estrecho (OPE)—the world’s largest seasonal civil-maritime transit—has passed the halfway mark with record fluidity. According to Interior-Ministry figures released on 16 July, 646,121 passengers and 160,698 vehicles crossed the Strait of Gibraltar between 15 June and 15 July, a 6 % increase on the same period in 2025. The build-up of North-African expatriates driving home for summer holidays is traditionally a logistical flashpoint for ports, ferry lines and border police. Algeciras once again handled the lion’s share: 357,590 travellers and 100,047 cars embarked on its 1,031 ferry rotations, supported by temporary passport booths and extra Guardia Civil traffic patrols on the A-7 motorway. Almería and Tarifa followed, each processing around 115,000 passengers. Average embarkation time this year stands at 42 minutes—down from 58 minutes in 2025—thanks to staggered sailing slots, a new online ticket-confirmation app and advance EES biometric pre-enrolment for non-EU passengers. For companies that depend on just-in-time supply chains between Spain and Morocco—fresh produce exporters, car-parts manufacturers in Tangier and logistics majors in Cádiz—the smoother flow reduces the risk of costly delays. Ferry operators Balearia and FRS have added four chartered vessels to maintain two-hour frequency on peak weekends; both report occupancy rates above 90 %. Insurance firms meanwhile remind motorists that Moroccan green-card coverage is now checked digitally, eliminating paper inspections at Tangier-Med. The Interior Ministry credits tighter coordination with Moroccan authorities, including a real-time data-sharing platform on passenger volumes and weather disruptions. Contingency berths in Málaga and Motril remain on standby should Levante winds force temporary closures at Tarifa. The Red Cruz and Protezione Civile teams have treated fewer heat-related incidents this year after installing shaded waiting pens and misting fans. Businesses planning staff travel between Europe and North Africa should nevertheless avoid the two critical ‘Operación Retorno’ weekends (27-28 July and 3-4 August), when return traffic peaks and ferry tickets sell out days in advance. The OPE operation runs until 15 September.
Source: Spanish Ministry of the Interior
