Balearia Opens a Gap on the Motril-Melilla Route

The catamaran “Pinar del Río” is experiencing an occupancy of around four hundred passengers on each trip on the Motril-Melilla and Almería-Melilla routes, and it is possible that it will continue in winter, perhaps with the Greek ferry “Nissos Chíos,” the same one that is currently operating Valencia-Mostaganem. Although this ship is expected in the Balearics when the summer season ends, the possibility of it being this one exists, or in any case, another similar one, according to maritime media reports. A preliminary assessment, on the other hand, to bid for the new maritime contract, which was previously presented and won by Trasmediterránea.

In Melilla, they are expecting the visit of the president of Balearia next month to meet with Juan José Imbroda, president of the autonomous city, and present future plans. The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Javier Mateo, has commented on “the feeling that there is an intention” to maintain the presence for a longer time and not just in summer, but with another type of ship, as high-speed vessels are not suitable in winter. Thus, everything points to there being three shipping companies connecting with the port of Melilla beyond the summer season.

Photo: Alberto Mantilla Pérez