The start of the 2024 Operation Crossing the Strait (OPE) has already seen significant numbers of passenger and vehicle traffic, as thousands of North African workers residing in Europe make journeys back to their homes for the summer holidays. This annual operation, which facilitates the travel of many North Africans across the Strait of Gibraltar, has been receiving an increasing amount of interest in the previous few years.
Record-breaking traffic
According to data from the Ministry of the Interior, the first weekend of OPE 2024 saw a 90% rise in passenger traffic and a 120% increase in vehicle movement compared to the same period in 2023. The increased traffic is also related to the Feast of the Lamb celebrations in Morocco – a time when many people travel back to see their families.
The port of Cádiz, one of the busiest among the seven ports involved, recorded the passage of 38,800 passengers and over 13,000 vehicles within the first four days. This achieved a new milestone in the history of the OPE. The shipping company FRS – DFDS, previously known as FRS Iberia, plays a crucial role in this operation, being the only one serving all ports in the Strait of Gibraltar.
Operational highlights
Since the launch of OPE on June 13th, a total of 292 vessel movements have been recorded, including the transport of 62,600 passengers and 18,400 vehicles. Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Spain’s Minister of the Interior, highlighted the coordination among the various agencies involved, which has been instrumental in managing the record numbers.
During his visit to the Port of Algeciras, Grande-Marlaska congratulated the efforts of the personnel. Algeciras is by far the busiest port, accounting for 77% of the total crossings. This port alone made 226 vessel rotations, transporting 38,816 passengers and 13,075 vehicles.
The minister’s tour included meetings with key officials, such as the president of the Bahía de Algeciras Port Authority, Gerardo Landaluce, and the Government delegate in Andalusia, Pedro Fernández. Grande-Marlaska also inspected the work of the National Police and Civil Guard at the port’s border crossing, reviewing the security and processing measures of passengers entering to and from the Schengen area.
Strict security measures
The security for OPE 2024 is ensured by over 26,100 police officers, which aims to keep the process safe and efficient. This year’s operation involves numerous different agencies, including State Ports and the General Directorate of the Merchant Navy.
Grande-Marlaska’s visit also included discussions with the Andalusian Health Service and the Red Cross, both of whom provide important support services. The tour ended with a short meeting with the Consul General of Morocco in Algeciras and representatives from the Mohamed VI Foundation, discussing the cooperative efforts to support the journeys of Moroccan citizens.
Future forecasts
The ministry’s projections suggest that by the end of the OPE, passenger and vehicle numbers will have increased by 4% and 6% respectively, compared to 2023. Last year, the operation saw the transit of 3.2 million people and 775,000 vehicles. This year’s early figures already forecast a busy summer ahead.
As the OPE progresses, the collaboration between various governmental and administrations bodies will keep on getting stronger, making continuous improvements towards the efficient crossings of the strait.
