Jaume-I

Approximately 40 passengers from the 'Jaume I' were disembarked by firefighters at the port of Tarifa (Cádiz) after the ship had suffered an engine breakdown on DEc 30, 2025,while sailing from Tangier to the port of Tarifa, preventing it from maneuvering to reach the dock. Once the ship was moored at the port's breakwater, the passengers were evacuated with the assistance of personnel from the Provincial Fire Consortium, Port Police, and Civil Guard. They were taken aboard the aerial ladder truck in groups of three, following the necessary safety and prevention measures for their safe transfer. The ship's mooring at the breakwater preventied other fast ferries from entering or leaving the port. Therefore, all scheduled fast ferry departures o the nmorning on the Tarifa-Tangier City-Tarifa route were suspended in both directions until further notice. After the ferry left the breakwater under its own power and cleared the entrance to the port, during the afternoon, ferry companies resumed their regular departures on the Tarifa-Tangier City route, while the special departures from Algeciras have been cancelled. Reports with photos and video: https://www.teleprensa.com/articulo/nacional-3/40-pasajeros-ferry-tanger-tarifa-desembarcados-bomberos-averia-atraque/202512301312322306422.amp.html https://www.teleprensa.com/articulo/cadiz/fast-ferry-averiado-tarifa-abandona-bocana-puerto-que-vuelve-normalidad-linea-tanger/202512301537222306550.amp.html https://ciudaddetarifaalminuto.com/articulo/actualidad-tarifa/el-ferry-jaime-i-de-balearia-varado-y-bloqueando-el-puerto-de-tarifa-mientras-pasajeros-aguardaban-fuera-de-la-terminal/

The Maritime Authority of Algeciras has informed Ecologists in Action (Agaden) of the opening of administrative sanction proceedings against Balearia for the documented episode of polluting emissions from the “Jaume I” in August 2024 in the port of Tarifa. The administrative procedure stems from a complaint filed by the environmental organization following emissions of dense, dark smoke generated by the vessel during its docking and undocking maneuvers. The incident was documented by various media outlets, which reported on complaints about the visible pollution in the port of Tarifa and the soot falling into the water and surrounding areas. The most serious incident occurred on Aug 12, with an abnormal emission of smoke. The “Jaume I,” which has been in service for over 30 years, has a history known to environmentalists, who in August quantified its emissions as equivalent to the impact of more than 300 vehicles operating continuously in the same spot. Agaden had requested the precautionary suspension of ferry operations until emissions were corrected, as well as inspections of engines and control systems. Complaints from residents and businesses located across from the port—related to dense smoke, a persistent odor, and visible debris in the water—generated public pressure that ultimately led to the opening of the administrative proceedings. The “Jaume I” operates on the Tarifa-Tangier route, a daily connection that is part of Balearia's service in the Strait of Gibraltar. The shipping company, headquartered in Denia, plans to incorporate electric propulsion technology with two new catamarans that will be built at the Armón Shipyard in Gijón.

Two young Moroccans, allegedly minors, tried to cross the Strait of Gibraltar on June 5, 2021, at 8.30 a.m., hiding near the vehicle ramp of the 'Jaume I' which was headed from Ceuto to Algeciras (Cádiz). The ship had to delay its departure for about an hour after the crew noticed the presence of the two migrants who had hidden next to the vehicle ramp. Both the Civil Guard and the Port Police had to intervene to get the two young men to leave the place, where they were at serious risk.

The 'Jaume I', which just had replaced the ferry 'Avemar Dos' (IMO: 9170183) on the route to Ceuta on Feb 24 for a technical stip, allided with the breakwater in Algeciras when leaving port for the first time on Feb 24, 2020, at 6 a.m. The first two trips from both Algeciras to Ceuta have been suspended. Bàlearia has put the ‘Avemar Dos’ into operation again at 9.30 a.m. until the ‘Jaume I’ can sail again.