The port of Ceuta enjoys a privileged location in the Strait of Gibraltar and is one of the main ports in the Mediterranean for traffic of goods, bunkering, liquid bulk and vehicles from Spain.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 68 – March 2024
Tax advantages are one of its main attractions (VAT-free status), which has given it extensive experience in passenger and freight traffic, as well as ship supplies. The year-round warm climate is also noteworthy. The port undoubtedly contributes a significant part to Ceuta's local economy and tourism.
The Muelle España can receive ships up to 310 meters in length and 9 meters in draft, and from it, you can visit the magnificent cultural heritage of the city or take excursions in several languages in Ceuta with expert local guides or travel to nearby areas of Morocco such as Tetouan, Tangier or Chefchaouen.
With all the infrastructure required to receive cruise ships, the Autonomous City of Ceuta found in this industry a crucial element for its social and economic development, especially during the pandemic, when the border with Morocco was closed.
Located on the Strait of Gibraltar, Ceuta is a multicultural European city in North Africa
In 2023, MSC Cruises stood out as the cruise line with the most port calls, with the MSC Lirica visiting the city 10 times. Other companies, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Mystic Cruises, and Holland America Line, also docked at Muelle España.
The economic and social impact of cruise tourism was significant. In the first six months of 2023, cruise ships brought approximately 25,000 tourists and 10,000 crew members to Ceuta. With an estimated expenditure of €40 per passenger and €20 per crew member, the cruise sector could have contributed approximately €1.2 million to the city throughout the year, providing a significant boost to job creation and the local economy.
They anticipate 20 cruise ship calls this year, but their goal is to reach a minimum of 30 annual calls.
Pioneers in Environmental Management:
The Port Authority of Ceuta (APC) has proven to be a pioneer in environmental management, supported by UNE-EN ISO 14001:2015, EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme), and PERS (Port Environmental Review System) certifications. Its commitment to sustainable practices is also reflected in its Energy Management System certification under the UNE-EN ISO 50001:2018 standard, aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Thus, it has implemented various initiatives, such as air and water quality monitoring, the use of drones to monitor maritime discharges, the use of electric vehicles, the installation of photovoltaic panels and three electric vehicle charging stations at Muelle España, and the replacement of mercury vapor lamps with LED lighting. Each initiative has been meticulously designed to minimize environmental impact.
In its commitment to preserving marine biodiversity, it has established a network of sentinel stations and carried out preliminary environmental studies.
A new development in this area is the “Open Museum” project, launched in collaboration with the “Museum of the Sea” Foundation. This project aims to disseminate information about conservation and research projects related to marine and coastal heritage. The project began with the arrival of the Nieuw Statendam in May 2023, representing a significant step in integrating environmental awareness with cruise tourism.
The Port Authority has included the cruise ship pier in the electrification project to install OPS in the future
This initiative serves as an opportunity for the Port Authority of Ceuta to integrate cruise tourism into its education and awareness efforts.
In the coming decades, European regulations will have a significant impact on port facilities and activities. The European Green Deal aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, for which different lines of work have been established. On the one hand, the FuelEU Maritime initiative, part of the Fit-for-55 package, focuses on alternative fuels, with onshore power supply (OPS) as a pragmatic solution.
Although there is no legal obligation to electrify the cruise ship dock at the port of Ceuta due to the current number of calls, the port authority has decided to include it in the dock electrification project that is currently being drafted, so that it follows the global trend in that regard.
Tourist Ceuta
Ceuta is a piece of Europe in Africa, a meeting point of cultures, landscapes, and traditions, where Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Hindus coexist.
The Royal Walls that fortify the city are among the few remaining in the world with a navigable moat and are a major tourist attraction. Within them lies the Caliphal Gate, an archaeological site that offers visitors a journey through time in just 20 linear meters: from prehistoric times to the present day. Built under the rule of the Umayyad Caliph of Cordoba, Abd al-Rahman III, in the 10th century, this gate was hidden and walled up after the construction of a new walled perimeter in the Middle Ages, until its rediscovery in 2002.
As a melting pot of cultures, the city boasts temples of various religions, from the Sanctuary of Africa to the Muley El-Mehdi Mosque, the Bet El Synagogue, and the "Modern Neo-Vedic" style Hindu temple, which follows the canons of the Hindu sacred architecture manual.
The city center features palaces, sculptures, and temples of four religions: Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, and Hindu
Various palaces, sculptures, viewpoints, and Arab baths complete Ceuta's attractive tourist offerings. Gastronomy is also a key pillar of tourism, and in Ceuta, visitors' palates are truly delighted. The cuisine, with its strong Mediterranean and Arab influences, results in recipes and dishes that can't be found elsewhere, from traditional restaurants and tapas bars to innovative and innovative cuisine to suit all tastes.
Excursions
in Ceuta offer numerous possibilities, both locally and by crossing the border into Morocco. Ceuta Tourist Services and the Port Authority provide cruise ships with every convenience to organize a unique trip: coaches, transportation discounts, and personalized guided tours for groups, as well as a wide range of activities so that passengers can make the most of their stay and receive the best possible service.
In the area around Ceuta you can take a City Tour, an excursion focused on the four religious cultures of the city, an excursion that also includes the viewpoints overlooking the city,
The most adventurous visitors can explore Ceuta through kayaking excursions, stand-up paddleboarding, diving, snorkeling, horse riding, whale and dolphin watching, fishing, and even visiting tuna traps.
In Morocco you can take excursions to Tetouan, just 41 kilometers to the south; Tangier, 77 kilometers to the west; or Chefchaouen, 105 kilometers away, known as the blue town because of the striking color of the houses in its medina.
Opening the Port to the Public:
In keeping with the port's commitment to port-city interaction, the Ceuta Port Authority has decided to open the cruise ship pier to the public and tourists on weekends. Muelle España (Spain Wharf) is a significant landmark in the city, featuring an iconic building and offering a pleasant stroll with excellent views.
Ceuta offers the possibility of taking excursions to Moroccan cities, such as Chefchaouen, the blue town
This initiative was not only well received by the public, but also reinforced the port's commitment to the international association RETE, which promotes synergies between port and city institutions.
The possibility of creating spaces for new businesses is being studied, and work is underway on a new ferry terminal that will be a benchmark for accessibility and sustainability, so that it integrates into the urban environment.
All these activities and projects have the common goal of contributing in the best possible way to the revitalization and promotion of the local economy.
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