The Operation Paso del Estrecho (OPE), known in Morocco as Operation Marhaba, is having a positive impact on the Port of Almería in 2026. Since the operation began on June 15th and up to Tuesday, 124,193 passengers and 31,248 vehicles have embarked and disembarked at the Almería port facilities, representing a 6% and 7.5% growth, respectively, over the same period in 2025. These figures underscore the strategic role of the Port of Almería in one of Europe's largest seasonal passenger movements and one of the world's biggest, ranking second in passenger traffic for maritime connections between the European continent and North Africa during this operation, which runs until September 15th.
Travelers' preference for the Port of Almería during the OPE, which accounts for around 65% of the Port of Almería's annual passengers, has a direct impact on the coffers of the Port Authority of Almería (APA), as it represents half of its annual income. The president of the APA, Rosario Soto, stated that "the positive figures from the Operation Paso del Estrecho benefit both the port and the city of Almería, as they guarantee income that allows us to move forward and continue investing in port works and in the port-city opening."
The OPE at the Port of Almería, connecting Europe with Melilla, Nador (Morocco), Oran, and Ghazaouet (Algeria), is meeting its objectives of fluidity, punctuality, and safety. The APA president highlighted the implemented improvements, such as the reorganization of pre-boarding areas, which has efficiently streamlined the passage of vehicles to the ships. She thanked the work of APA public employees, especially from the Operations and Port Police Area, as well as state security forces and shipping companies, for their excellent performance.
Another improvement executed by the port authority with visible positive results is the enhancement of shaded areas at the Port of Almería and its adaptation as a children's play zone. The rehabilitated warehouse has become a favorite waiting spot, particularly for the youngest travelers. In this regard, the APA has installed football goals where children gather to play while waiting to board. "At the Port of Almería, we work to provide the best services, not only in logistical terms but also in services for people, and especially for the children of families, making their wait more pleasant; according to parents, the play area has been a great success, as after long hours of driving to reach the port from their place of residence, children appreciate having a place to play. If the children are well, the wait to start the sea journey is more comfortable for the family," noted Soto.
For the 2026 OPE, the APA has made a significant logistical and investment effort, allocating nearly 1.6 million euros, a 37% increase compared to 2025. The largest portions of the funds have been dedicated to improving facilities (52% of the total) and reinforcing human resources (38% of the budget), with the dual objective of providing the best service to passengers and ensuring a positive financial return for future investments.
