The Algerian company Laures will operate the ferry Santa Cruz during OPE 2025

The Algerian company Laures will operate the ferry Santa Cruz during OPE 2025

The maritime transport sector continues to evolve and adapt to the growing mobility demands. In this context, the Algerian company Laures has announced that it will operate the Italian ferry Santa Cruz during the upcoming Operation Crossing the Strait (OPE) 2025, strengthening connectivity between Algeria and Spain.

A key reinforcement for OPE 2025

Every year, the OPE represents a significant logistical challenge, as thousands of passengers cross the Strait of Gibraltar to return to their home countries during the summer. Incorporating the ferry Santa Cruz will enhance transportation capacity, optimizing routes and speeding up travel.

According to official sources, a significant increase in passenger and vehicle traffic is expected during OPE 2025, surpassing previous years' figures. In this regard, having a large-capacity vessel like the Santa Cruz will be essential to reduce waiting times and improve travel logistics.

Features of the Santa Cruz ferry

The Santa Cruz is an Italian-built ferry with extensive capacity and features, making it an ideal choice for the OPE. Among its main technical specifications are:

• Weight and dimensions: 19,321 gross tons and 3,440 deadweight tons. It measures 152.90 m in length, 26.26 m in beam, and has a maximum draft of 6.10 m.
• Capacity: It can carry up to 1,370 passengers, with accommodation for 1,249 passengers in cabins. It also features a garage with space for 470 cars and 810 linear meters of roll-on cargo.
• Propulsion and speed: Equipped with two Pielsticj 18PC2-5 engines generating a total power of 15,445 kW on two shafts, allowing a cruising speed of 20 knots.
• Identification: Its IMO number is 7615414.

History of the Santa Cruz: From Moby Corse to OPE 2025

Before being operated by Laures, the Santa Cruz was known as Moby Corse, a ferry owned by the Italian shipping company Moby Lines. During its service in the Mediterranean, the vessel operated various routes between Italy and France, offering reliable passenger and cargo transportation. With its new operation under Laures, the ferry will now help optimize mobility flows between Algeria and Spain.

Conclusion

OPE 2025 will see a significant operational reinforcement thanks to the incorporation of the Santa Cruz ferry, operated by Laures. This addition underscores the importance of continued investment in infrastructure and modern fleets to ensure efficient and safe passenger transport.

At Kikoto, we continue to monitor all maritime industry developments to offer you the best information and travel options for your ferry journeys. Stay tuned for our updates!