Direct maritime transport commences between Tunisia and Morocco
2008-04-09
In an effort to cut costs and expand the volume of trade between the two countries, Tunisia and Morocco launched a new direct maritime trade route last week between the ports of Radès and Casablanca.
By Jamel Arfaoui for Magharebia in Tunis – 09/04/08
 [File] Sightings of Gibraltar will become more frequent for Tunisians and Moroccans travelling on the new direct maritime route between the ports at Radès and Casablanca. |
Tunisia launched the first transport ship Friday (April 4th) on its new direct line to Morocco, in the presence of Transportation Minister Abderrahim Zouari and Moroccan Ambassador Nejib Zerouali. The new direct route – operated by two privately-owned companies in Tunisia and Morocco – will save time for both countries, taking just four days instead of the previous two-week route that passed through Malta or Marseille.
During the launch ceremony, the Tunisian minister said, "The opening of this regular direct sea line comes within the framework of recommendations made during the meeting of the Tunisian-Moroccan High Joint Committee."
The joint committee approved the undertaking during its 14th round, held February 22nd in Tunis. Mokhtar Rachdi, General Manager of the Tunisian merchant marine, said in press statements that the initiative resulted from an increased volume of commercial exchange between the two countries.
According to Maghreb trade experts, the new route became necessary due to the high costs of air transport and the lengthy delays in maritime trade via Europe. One diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity said, "More importantly, the current stalemate in Algerian-Moroccan relations has had a profound effect on the transport of commodities between Morocco and Tunisia. The closure of the border between Algeria and Morocco has denied the two countries, as well as Tunisia, the use of railroad transport, which is much less expensive than maritime and air transport."
Mokhtar Rachdi said he expects the direct sea line, which runs between the ports of Radès in Tunisia and Casablanca in Morocco, to enhance trade in the Maghreb as maritime operators from Algeria, Libya and Mauritania follow suit. He said the operators hope "the volume of commercial exchange between the Maghreb countries [will] increase from 4% to 10% in the near future."
Meanwhile, Nadia Iraki, Rachdi's Moroccan counterpart, said the saved transport time "will definitely lead to a reduction of costs, and, consequently, to the increase of goods movement."
Although the volume of trade between Morocco and Tunisia has seen significant growth, it is still below the desired level as compared to either country's commercial exchange with the European Union.
A recent economic report released by Tunisia's Ministry of Foreign Trade revealed that Tunisian-Moroccan trade was estimated at $300 million in 2007, while trade with the EU amounted to $55 billion over the same year.
According to Mohammed Karia, General Manager of the Moroccan Maritime Company, commodities transported between Tunisia and Morocco last year amounted to 212,000 tonnes.
Maher Gargouri of the Tunisian Maritime Transport Company said the route will be serviced by a Moroccan vessel with a 70-container capacity and 33 motor boats that will run between Radès and Casablanca every ten days.
Mohammed Adam Saknoun, an Algerian maritime operator who attended the launch ceremony, expressed his aspirations to join the new project. "Our presence in Radès today reflects our keenness to explore [similar] co-operation between Tunisia and Algeria," he said.
Tunisian Trade and Handicrafts Minister Ridha Touiti expects that "the size of commercial exchange between Tunisia and Morocco will significantly increase in the coming years", due to enhanced co-operation under the Arab free-trade zone and the Agadir Agreement, between Tunisia, Morocco, Jordan and Egypt.
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Nasser Posted 2008-04-10
The opening of a direct, regular maritime transport line between the Casablanca’s and Radés’ ports is a positive initiative and excellent news. We can indeed remark that the two countries are realistically insisting upon the Maghreb's continued development and construction.
salah Posted 2008-04-10
This is a good initiative between Morocco and Tunisia. I hope that Algeria will understand this lesson in order to overcome conflicts with its neighbours and work for better Maghreb unity.
samiha Posted 2008-04-13
Can you tell me what Moroccans have to offer Tunisia? The Moroccans are poorer than the Tunisians. I am Tunisian and I would like to know why our president, Ben Ali, made such a pitiful decision with a country such as Morocco. We need people who bring money with them, who spend their vacations here like the Europeans and wealthy Algerians do, not Moroccans. Why not invite Burkina Faso to spend their vacations in Tunisia? All young Tunisians are against this decision.
chabli Posted 2008-04-14
Good initiative. Can I have the name of the Moroccan navigation company? Thanks.
Etaim Posted 2008-04-16
Excellent initiative. There is an excellent article on the launching of this maritime line at: http://www.leconomiste.com/article.html?a=85323 It is about the partnership between the Moroccan shipowner IMTC and the Tunisian shipowner AMC (private companies).
Habib Posted 2008-04-18
There is no point in voting: we are against this decision, because, as Samiha said, this offers Tunisians nothing. All young Tunisians are against this.
Tunisien Posted 2008-04-20
Samiha and Habib are the same person, and, he is, above all else, a xenophobic Algerian.
omar Posted 2008-04-20
Salam alikoum. I am a Libyan investor living in the kingdom of Morocco. We still suffer from the lack of marine transport lines, whether for freight or travellers between Morocco and Tunisia and between the kingdom and Libya. I thank so much the brothers who worked on opening this line. I also thank the Moroccan and Tunisian governments for this achievement… Are there any other marine lines between Tunisia and the kingdom? Please advise us about this. Thank you very much.
Tunisien Posted 2008-04-20
Pardon me, my Algerian friend, or should I say Moroccan? But, I see that it is true that it is the Tunisians who are against this decision.
davinci Posted 2008-04-21
Three countries, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, with a united people, cannot forget what is dividing them in order to remember that what unites them is more important than what is dividing them. Let us create a common currency, have the free movement of people and goods without hindrance, have common customs regulations and so on. But where are the leaders who will realise the people’s will?
wassila Posted 2008-04-21
Tunisians are realists and the opening of this maritime line is welcome here. I hope that there will be more to come. To Samiha/Habib: do not soil Tunisians by speaking in their name; your style proves that you are Algerian. Tunisians are civilized people; they do not have identity problems. There was a protectorate, but not colonization. Therefore, we are authentic. The same goes for Moroccans.
IMPOSTURE Posted 2008-04-21
Samiha is not a Tunisian or an Algerian, she is a stubborn Polisario who is has been brainwashed against her country, Morocco. A United Maghreb does not suit her at all. Come on, get out of here! Go home or go to South Africa, where it seems you have a consulate. Algeria belongs to the Algerians, okay!?
gol Posted 2008-04-21
Magharebia’s forum is becoming less and less interesting despite the website being excellent, as it has become the meeting place of cretins like Samiha who come and post their off-topic crap, talking about the Algerians and Burkina Faso even though this is about a maritime connection between Tunisia and Morocco! And, beyond this, he explains that the Algerians are rich!? Perhaps this dingbat is confusing the Algerian dinar with the euro!!
Anonymous Posted 2008-04-21
They are preoccupied with stealing.
boras Posted 2008-04-21
This is great news for Morocco and Tunisia. It's a shame Algeria was kept out in the cold on this one. But maybe one day just one day the military junta who run Algeria will come to their senses and setup similar initiatives rather than continuing to pursue an isolationist policy.
Samiha Posted 2008-04-22
Wassila IMPOSTOR I am a Tunisian. Why judge others? I am 100% Tunisian. There are a lot more young people against this too. I am quite aware that you do not agree!!! But, the reality of it is that a lot of people in Tunisia do not agree. Moroccans are poor and will stay poor. We do not have the same line to toe, so stay where you are. The men and women of Tunisia are open and tolerant, but not at any price. We are talking about the future of the country here, about its business.
Algerien d'alger Posted 2008-04-22
To the racist Wassila: Why such hatred for the Algerians? What, the men did not want you there? You know nothing about Algeria’s social and political situation, but you do make endless insults, you poor creature!!! Is this because— since they are better than you— you have a complex? Or, as they say, is it an innate hatred in your soul? Because you have no argument, you just spread hatred. There is an Arab proverb that says “when you dig a hole for your enemy, make sure it is not too narrow, so that if you accidentally fall in, you will be able to enjoy some space.” What denseness! Have you no shame!? Stop saying these stupid things; you are going to bring shame on your people. -An Algerian from Algiers
tunisia Posted 2008-04-22
Wassila and Gol are people who can see no farther than the tips of their forked noses. They don't know how to do anything but speak off-topic. Their fancy is Algeria. The subject is the maritime line, not Algerians. Talking about this subject would be better, I think.
wassila Posted 2008-04-23
To “The Algerian from Algiers”: I am free to say what I want. When you stop with your insults, I will too. Reread what you wrote: you have a problem with me, so you insult an entire people!? I represent only myself. Or is it that what is permissible for you is not permissible for others? And, reread what your compatriots wrote too. Give them the same advice. Be happy with commenting on the articles without making insults and everything will get back to normal. As a Moroccan, I did not understand your gibberish, so you do not get an answer. And, if you think I will accept the insults of Algerians without reacting myself, then, no, I will make insults just like others do. I get the impression that this is the only language you all understand. It is an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. And, as for the Tunisian: my nose is not forked. Sorry!
gol Posted 2008-04-24
Mr. “Tunisia”; Go learn some grammar, a bit of vocabulary and, afterwards, you can come and explain yourself. I really tried to look beyond your neurons, but I don’t understand a thing!
mefiance Posted 2008-04-24
The Polisario has really |expletive deleted| things up between the Moroccans and Algerians. Now, it is the Tunisians' turn. The idiots are forcing their toejam on them. Beware of the gas!
SAMIR-16 Posted 2008-04-24
Wassila, I beg you, do not mix things up. Not all Algerians are diseased sheep. Have a little respect, please. Our problem is with this government, which brings shame to us and sows disorder in the Maghreb. If we were in a democracy, we would not be here right now. They are the ones who make the decisions, and do so like kids who will never grow up.
tunisia Posted 2008-04-24
Gol; All you do is dole out insults. If you are a grammar or vocabulary teacher, then help some other people out. But, since you said you didn’t understand anything, you are a bad teacher. To Wassila: Sorry that I wasn’t such a gentlemen with you! Forgive me. But, nevertheless, you went overboard. Let us stay levelheaded in our discussion. This is the personal suggestion of a Tunisian.
choufelmekchouf Posted 2008-04-25
This hatred is completely unwarranted. This is about the Tunisian-Moroccan maritime line, so why bring Algeria and the Algerians into this subject??? All the better for you that Algeria has nothing to say about those who go on saying such and such. You are crazy— something that has become a disease for you all. Algeria is following its own path to prosperity and happiness. This is its holy reward. God Almighty, what horrors we suffered for 12 years while our neighbours were out partying, killing innocents and ruining our economy with foreign aid!!! Leave us alone! We did not ask you for anything! Mind your own messes and leave Algeria out of this, okay!? The Algerian people are sovereign. We want the borders to stay shut for our own eternal peace of mind. May God bless Algeria and its people.
SAMIR-16 Posted 2008-04-27
I am Moroccan, Wassila, just like you, kind Miss Not-Algerian. I love our King and Morocco. I hate everything that is Algerian.
gol Posted 2008-04-27
Mr. “Tunisia”; The charade is up for the Polisario! It is pointless to continue pretending to be Tunisians, Canadians, Swedes, etc., as the UN just concluded that an independent Western Sahara is impossible and unrealistic. As an aside, a grammar or vocabulary prof doesn't exist... but a French prof, yes! So why not have a professor of division and addition?
said.gold Posted 2008-04-27
Well said brother. It's obvious! Where have our so-called “neighbours” and “cousin" been during the last 12 years? Ha! I forgot, they were blowing hot air on our fire and taking advantage of the poor Algerians who went to take refuge over there. They ate up all their money without ever giving them residency permits. And, let’s not even mention Archaoui. Don’t even try to tell me the contrary, because I lived through this period in Morocco. It was disgusting!
said.gold Posted 2008-04-27
Where is my last comment? Do you publish only what suits you?
tunisia Posted 2008-04-28
I hope that you are not going to bring us your [expletive] of drugs with this maritime line! Tunisians are not happy with this decision. You do not need to bring your misery here. We love our Algerian brothers more. We are very close to them. You Moroccans are too different: Tunisia’s political system resembles that of Algeria’s, not yours. Mr. Gol is antipathetic to this.
bouira Posted 2008-04-29
Let the world say what it will. Long live Algeria!
SAMIR-16 le vrai Posted 2008-04-29
I, Samir, age 16, do not know what my purpose is here. I am Algerian and, more precisely, I live in Algiers. I want to tell Wassila that I hate neither Tunisians nor Moroccans. Her people want to twist the truth and sow hatred between the people of the Maghreb. In conclusion, we need to be alert: there are impostors out there. We need the truth.
Anonymous Posted 2008-04-29
Gol; What are we to get out of a Dutch member in the UN supporting the Moroccans? This is just because of there are Moroccans in Holland. Tell me, how much money is in the King’s account? He received a beachside villa as a permanent gift and guards it with the Royal Army? Hahaha! He is corrupt just like the thousands around him in the Royal estate.
tunisia Posted 2008-04-29
To ‘Tunisia’: Do not use my name to tell your lies. Tunisians did not ask for you to speak for them in your place. It has become a sort of mania for the Algerians to see this type of support where none exists at all. For the most part, we Tunisians find the Algerians to be violent and disgraceful. Sorry, but you provoked me.
wassila Posted 2008-04-29
To Samir-16, I am not yet Moroccan, bro. But my mother is and I am waiting on my request to be fulfilled. My father is Tunisian, but I adore Morocco. I finished my studies there. In fact, I think that the Algerians copy Moroccan phrases completely in their responses. At least, they perfected their old-school French from the 1930s. We always learn a lot from the Moroccans. Nobody can deny that; it has been proven.
Ayoub Posted 2008-04-29
Whatever! You Muslims and neighbours are insulting yourselves. Moreover, this website was created by military order of the United States Africa Command (look at the “About Us” page). The aforementioned is always around to solve our differences, if you know what I mean.
فرحات الزرقاني Posted 2008-04-30
This is a very good initiative. But my request is to please show the price of a return ticket or just a single, as well as the schedule for passenger trips.
nezli Posted 2008-04-30
I am an Algerian and proud of my country. Give us some time to do these things because Moroccan politicians are dividing the Maghreb. This is a shame. Goodbye
LOTFI-DJERBA Posted 2008-04-30
I do not understand this Tunisian who speaks on behalf of Tunisians. I can immediately reassure our Algerian and Moroccan brothers, that as a Tunisian, we are ready to have relations with everybody except for the Polisario, which has caused a lot of harm to the Maghreb Union. So, “Tunisian”, stop with your idiocy, okay!
MEFIANCE Posted 2008-04-30
Beware, you Maghrebis, not to fall into Tunisia’s trap, wherein Nadine and Nadia are the same. It will do all it can in order to sow discord between you. It was interfering from the very start between the Algerians and Moroccans and now between the Moroccans and Tunisians. So, you are going to have to leave because you are not experienced with insults. Have a little bit of a conscience: we are all the same.
tunisia Posted 2008-04-30
Tunisian, The truth is, you are trying to short circuit me. Everyone can recognise me now. I do not like people who pretend to be me, Gol. I am sure that he is the one who has taken my name. I'll tell all of you that I say what I want. You are Moroccan and you want to interfere here and sow discord between Algerians and Tunisians. We are their close neighbours; you are more than 1,000 kilometres away. We are a republic and you are a kingdom. The mentality is not the same in the East as it is the West.
wassila Posted 2008-05-02
I was Tunisian, but now I am Moroccan or maybe Libyan and the day after tomorrow I will be French and next year Israeli. If you want me, I am in Casablanca's bars, with the foreigners.
think smart ( maroc) Posted 2008-05-06
What a bunch of idiots you are!!! The governments are going to do their own thing while you go on mixing yourself up things that you should not! “We are against this,” she says!!! Hearing her, you would think that she is directing the country! Hahaha! Don't stick your nose in- leave this business to the higher-ups.
مرية مغربية Posted 2008-05-07
Salam alikoum brothers. I would like to say that we are all Muslims, the name of the religion is Islam you should know its meaning and implement it. It is a shame that such a thing happens between brothers. They are all similar, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, they are all the same.
medrachid...mascara Posted 2008-08-27
Peace and mercy of God be upon you. A warm greeting to the Algerian strong people. I am proud of Algeria because it is the best Arab country. It doesn’t need to make any relations with the evildoers such as Morocco and Tunisia. It has 2.381.741 km. What is the area of Tunisia and Morocco? Multiply it by 100. We have an excess in the trade balance which equals the budget of Morocco and Tunisia. hahaha. SO no need to repeat the Moroccan file. We are Algerians, we don’t care about evildoers.
مبارك Posted 2008-09-14
Salam alikum my brothers. We must reject anything that separates us. We are brothers in Islam and we welcome everything that brings us closer to each other. We keep away from hatred which is produced by colonization and one of its relics. Don’t you see how Europeans who have different languages, cultures and religions, if any, but they become one state? By God, by God, they know the value of our union we Muslims. So wake up and reject everything that separates us from each other. God grants success.
jilani slhi Posted 2008-12-15
the correct mind said " the progress is allways anssuresd by a strong investement but this tunisian_ maroocain merger is just a friendship merger not a fruitful merger but i wish a good work briefly the feeling not made the progress european merger is better
khalid Posted 2008-12-17
This is good co-operation on the part of the two competing countries in North Africa and it will improve interprofessional relations between them.
jiji Posted 2008-12-22
I am a real Algerian. We don’t want anything from Tunisia or even Morocco. We live on the resources of Algeria and offer a living for those who want to eat…
الجزائر العاصمة Posted 2008-12-23
Eh Moroccans, how dare you talk about Algeria? Catch up with it, then you can talk. We don’t care about you, we don’t give you a value, ok. It is also a big pleasure that you don’t like us.
عمر Posted 2008-12-23
Which Algeria is the naive sister talking about? Algeria of terrorism or Algeria of repression? By God. I praise God because I am Moroccan and don’t belong to a country which is crushed by missiles, bomb cars and corrupt generals. When the Algerian visits Morocco, he takes a picture in front of Moroccan goods.
boras Posted 2008-12-24
This is a great initiative between Morocco and Tunisia. The sooner the backward warped algerian military regime see's sense and steps away from politics then maybe just maybe the algerians will be able to benefit from greater trade.
mohammed Posted 2008-12-25
Morocco is synonym to misery… In the Arab world, Arab nation or any name you like, there is no state better than the other. If you only you were an intellectual and read Ibn Khaldoune, I mean “Al Moukadima” of Ibn Khaldoune. Ibn Khaldoune will meet you at every turn, stop you saying: haven’t I told you this, what do you think about what I wrote in Al Moukadima?
رشيد بوجدو Posted 2009-01-06
Hi, i am Rachid Boujdou. I am Moroccan, 19. I think that I have the right to defend my country which I love so much in all cases. I still wonder who is attacking my country with articles and comments which distort our reputation and traditions. Oh, it is true we are poor. We live under the threshold of misery and you are the rich. But what do you want from us? I wonder why you focus on us. Long live Morocco from morning to night.
مغربي Posted 2009-01-10
Can I know where to book tickets on the ship? I want to travel from the port of Casablanca to the port of Rades in Tunisia. The schedule of trips for passengers, the price of the return ticket.
الحزين Posted 2009-03-18
Salam alikum my brothers in the Islamic Arab Maghreb. I say as Lakit Ben Yamar said, I am astonished at your disagreement in opinion while your enemies are united. We must be civilised because in Tunisia, there are great men, there are many scholars, intellectuals. I mention as an example the erudite Taher Ben Achour, may God rest his soul. It is the same in Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. So why use bad names? We must be tolerant with each other as a civilised and conscious nation. We must respect each other. By God, I love every Arab Muslim. God is witness to what I say.
سعودي من الرياض Posted 2009-04-12
Peace and mercy of God be upon you. By God, I have read all comments and I wish I haden't. The issue my brothers tackles a maritime line between Tunisia and Morocco, so why has Algeria interfered? If Algeria were free and doesn't want to open its borders with Morocco, it cannot close the borders of Tunisia with Morocco unless it wants to play a demoniac role. In that case we tell them Tunisians are wise and not stupid. By God I was looking for a way to travel by sea via Tunisia to Morocco hoping they will provide us with travel information and prices of tickets but you pushed us in a disagreement but this is not its place. This is a personal opinion; if it makes angry you're free.
لازيو Posted 2009-04-29
Oh God, what a great news. I hope that it will be crowned by passenger trips to save us from the trouble and fees of air transport. Please have the passenger trips began?
clio Posted 2009-04-30
Is it possible to know where to book tickets on the ship? I want to travel from the port of Rades in Tunisia to the port of Casablanca, the schedule for the passenger trips and the price of the return ticket.
Mondialiste-voyageur Posted 2009-05-07
Hello everyone- Can you help me by letting me know if there is a passenger boat between Tunisia and Morocco or if there is a freight boat that can also take passengers or not? I appreciate your helping me by responding to my questions.
mohammed Posted 2009-06-05
The two countries Morocco and Tunisia without Algeria are two fishes outside water. I love everyone who loves his country. I love the people of the Arab Maghreb region from my heart. They are one people. But this is the truth whether you like it or not!
هاجر Posted 2009-06-16
Tunisia is a dear country. Oh people of Algeria, don't forget the blood of martyrs of Tunisia in Algeria and Morocco. Brothers, we are Muslims.
بادي /الاردن Posted 2009-06-29
To whom it may concern. Salam alikum our brothers in green Tunisia. There is a question about traveling from the port of Rades to the port of Casablanca. Is there marine transport for passengers and their luggage from Tunis to Casablanca? If this service is available, what are its schedules? What is the cost for a passenger and his vehicle? How long does the trip take? We hope you will provide us with necessary information so that we can organize ourselves to get to Tunisia of Arabs and move from there to Morocco. This is what we hope from those responsible for this nice initiative which serves citizens in the Mediterranean basin and serves everyone. We expect your reply our people in Tunisia and help us if you can with this information.
جزائري في قطر Posted 21 days ago
I am wondering if there is a maritime line between Syria and sister Tunisia. I want to travel by road from Qatar to Syria then by sea to Tunisia and to Algeria by road. Please inform us, thank you. As for the disgraceful and imprudent conflict between Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, I tell you the European Union exists. It will become very soon a great economic power. But we will keep on insulting each other. We live in chaos and miseries as a result of the political eccentricities and lack of popular awareness. Terrorism which corrodes the structure of the nation is caused by discord and hypocrisy. The deterioration of the economy of the nation and its stagnation are caused by the narrow minds of everyone. When will you wake up and think you are one people associated with cultures, history and united. I say open borders between the peoples, implement the law upon the destroyers regardless of their nationalities. I won't feel compassion for an Algerian who is caught smuggling drugs and sentenced to death in Tunisia or Morocco. I won't have compassion for anyone else even if he was my brother if he attempts to destroy the nation. Anyway, we are all one people, our blood is one. Long live our nation from its West to its East. There is in the river what doesn't exist in the sea, with each other, we complete each other. There is in green Tunisia what doesn't exist in white Algeria and vice versa, as there is in Morocco what is absent in other countries. Salam.
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