AML
AML (Africa Morocco Link) is a Moroccan ferry company founded in June 2016 and headquartered in Tangier, Morocco. Born out of a collaboration between Attica Group and BMCE Bank of Africa, the company was created to strengthen the maritime link between Europe and Africa. In 2024 its shareholder structure changed significantly: Stena Line acquired 49% of Attica Group, and CTM (Compagnie de Transports au Maroc) purchased 51% of BMCE Bank, with both entities falling under the Moroccan group O Capital. From its very first day of operations, AML has established itself as one of the leading ferry companies in the Strait of Gibraltar, with its two main routes: Algeciras–Tanger Med and Tarifa–Tangier Ville, with up to 11 daily departures and a modern fleet of 6 vessels.
AML operates two routes between southern Spain and northern Morocco, available year-round with greater frequency in July and August, coinciding with the Strait of Gibraltar Crossing Operation (OPE).
Strait of Gibraltar
Algeciras → Tanger Med ~90 min Up to 11/day › Tanger Med → Algeciras ~90 min Up to 11/day › Tarifa → Tangier Ville ~60 min Several departures/day › Tangier Ville → Tarifa ~60 min Several departures/day ›Timetables and departure frequencies vary by season. AML does not allow open tickets: you must select a specific date and time when booking. Check up-to-date availability on the iloveferry.com search engine.
AML's two routes connect Europe and Africa in under 90 minutes, making them the fastest and most frequent crossings available between Spain and Morocco. Each offers distinct advantages depending on the traveller's final destination.
The most frequently used route across the Strait, with up to 11 daily departures in both directions. It connects Spain's largest port with the modern Tanger Med port complex, located 40 km from Tangier city centre.
Type: Conventional, ~90 min · Ideal for: Travellers with vehicles, lorry drivers, families, OPE
The return crossing towards Spain, with the same frequency and comfort as the outbound journey. Essential during peak season for the thousands of Moroccan emigrants returning from Europe.
Type: Conventional, ~90 min · Ideal for: Return to Europe, freight and vehicle transport
Launched by AML in June 2024, this route connects the closest point in Europe to Africa with Tangier's city-centre port in just 60 minutes. Perfect for day trips.
Type: Fast, ~60 min · Ideal for: Foot passengers, day-trippers, tourism from Tarifa and the Costa del Sol
The return crossing from the heart of Tangier to the Cádiz coastline, the shortest crossing of the Strait. A highly popular option for cruise passengers or visitors to northern Morocco.
Type: Fast, ~60 min · Ideal for: Tourists, passengers without vehicles, cruise connections
AML operates a fleet of up to 6 vessels, reinforced during peak season for the Strait of Gibraltar Crossing Operation (OPE). Its two flagship vessels are the conventional ferries Morocco Star (152 m in length, 935 passengers and 225 vehicles) and Morocco Sun (129 m, 1,001 passengers), which cover mainly the Algeciras–Tanger Med route. The Tarifa–Tangier Ville route is served by the Morocco Express 1, a 72 m catamaran with a capacity of 647 passengers and 70 vehicles. All AML vessels combine cargo transport functionality with services designed for passenger comfort during the short Strait crossings.
AML's fleet combines large-capacity conventional ferries with high-speed catamarans. These are the main vessels operating regularly on the Strait of Gibraltar routes.
Morocco Star
Conventional ferry. Length: 152 m. Capacity: 935 passengers and 225 vehicles. Features a restaurant, bars, outdoor deck and air-conditioned rest areas. Operates mainly on the Algeciras–Tanger Med route.
Morocco Sun
Conventional ferry. Length: 129 m. Capacity: 1,001 passengers and multiple vehicle lanes. Functional counterpart to the Morocco Star; reinforces frequency on the Algeciras–Tanger Med route during the OPE.
Morocco Express 1
High-speed catamaran. Length: 72 m. Capacity: 647 passengers and 70 vehicles. Launched the Tarifa–Tangier Ville route on 4 June 2024. Crossing time of just 60 minutes with no on-board restaurant.
OPE reinforcement vessels
During the Strait of Gibraltar Crossing Operation (July–August), AML adds extra vessels to expand its fleet capacity and meet the extraordinary demand from passengers and vehicles arriving from Europe.
The vessel assigned to each crossing may vary depending on operational availability and demand. The assigned vessel is confirmed at the time of booking.
AML operates at four strategic ports located at either end of the Strait of Gibraltar: two in Spain (Algeciras and Tarifa) and two in Morocco (Tanger Med and Tangier Ville), all active year-round.
AML applies discounts on the base ticket price for certain passenger groups, making its services more accessible for families and frequent travellers.
Discount terms and percentages may vary. Always check the current conditions at the time of making your booking on iloveferry.com.
AML crossings are very short (between 60 and 90 minutes), so the accommodation offering is geared towards comfort during the journey rather than overnight rest. However, the conventional vessels do have cabins for passengers who prefer greater privacy.
Prices vary depending on the season, departure date and how far in advance the booking is made. During the Strait of Gibraltar Crossing Operation (July–August) demand reaches its annual peak, so booking as early as possible is strongly recommended.
Each passenger may bring up to 30 kg of luggage free of charge. Hand luggage and suitcases are kept in the lounge areas or carried by the passenger during the crossing. As the journey lasts less than 90 minutes, there are no dedicated luggage holds or left-luggage facilities.
AML accepts cars, motorbikes, vans, caravans, motorhomes and lorries in the vehicle decks of its vessels. When booking, it is essential to specify the vehicle type and exact dimensions (length, width and height), as the price varies accordingly. Travellers with vehicles must arrive at the port at least 2 hours and 30 minutes before departure. Once the vehicle has been loaded, access to it during the crossing is not permitted for safety reasons.
Pets are welcome on board AML under the following conditions: animals must remain on the outer decks and walkways, on a lead and muzzled, or in a carrier. They are not permitted inside indoor areas (bars, restaurants and public spaces). Pets weighing over 10 kg must be in the designated area on board; those under 10 kg may travel in their owner's carrier. Cages are available upon request at the ship's reception. Valid veterinary documentation is mandatory: a current rabies certificate and, for EU citizens, the European Pet Passport. Guide dogs are exempt from the cage rules but must carry a valid certificate.
AML's routes cross the border between Spain (European Union) and Morocco. Please check the travel documentation required (passport, visa if applicable) before boarding. During peak season (July and August) book as far in advance as possible, especially if travelling with a vehicle, to guarantee a space in the ship's vehicle deck.
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