Algérie Ferries: Tariq Ibn Ziyad returns after 3 years of renovation

Algérie Ferries has returned the Tariq Ibn Ziyad to service after a three-year refit in Greece, increasing capacity on key ferry crossings between Europe and Algeria ahead of the busy summer 2026 travel season.

After a long period out of service, the vessel returns as demand remains high across key ferry routes linking France, Spain and Algeria.

A fully modernised vessel

The renovation programme focused on upgrading the ship while improving the onboard experience for passengers.

The work included:

• technical upgrades to the vessel
• improvements to passenger areas
• compliance with current safety standards

These updates aim to provide a more comfortable and reliable journey while ensuring the vessel meets modern operational requirements.

Strengthening capacity ahead of summer 2026

The return of the Tariq Ibn Ziyad comes at a key moment, as demand remains high on ferry crossings linking Algeria with France and Spain.

Among the busiest routes:

• Marseille → Algiers
• Sète → Béjaïa
• Alicante → Oran

These routes see particularly high demand during the summer months, especially from travellers and the Algerian diaspora booking ferry tickets to visit family and travel between Europe and Algeria.

A strategic move in a competitive market

By bringing the vessel back into service, Algérie Ferries aims to:

• increase overall transport capacity
• ease pressure on bookings
• improve service quality

This move is important in a market where competition remains strong, including operators such as GNV and Corsica Linea.

A key asset for the peak season

Each year, ferry travel to Algeria is marked by:

• high demand
• limited availability
• pressure on reservations

The return of the Tariq Ibn Ziyad is expected to help improve availability and support operations during the peak summer period.

You can compare ferry crossings between France, Spain and Algeria and explore available routes for your journey with AFerry.