Operator
La Meridionale
La Méridionale has suspended Marseille - Tanger Med for the low season.
- Marseille - Tanger Med seasonal pause
- Future summer seasons under review
About La Méridionale
Table of Contents
About La Méridionale
La Méridionale is a French ferry operator based in Marseille. It was founded in 1931 as Compagnie Méridionale de Navigation (CMN) by brothers Henri and Félix Rastit; it took its current name in 1998. Since 31 May 2023, La Méridionale has been part of the CMA CGM Group, the Marseille-based shipping and logistics company, sitting within its specialist shipping division. Around 600 staff on land and at sea carry close to 280,000 passengers a year.
Its core business is the daily freight and passenger service between Marseille and Corsica (Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio) under the public service contract that connects the island. The operator launched its Morocco service in 2020. La Méridionale suspended Marseille - Tanger Med for the low season on 15 September 2026. A resumption has not been confirmed.
Ships and fleet
The fleet comprises four RoPax ferries: Girolata, Piana, Kalliste and the Massalia. The Massalia served the Morocco line from June 2025 - built in 1992, 161 metres long, with room for around 1,700 passengers and 492 vehicles, 217 cabins and 216 reclining seats. On board there's a self-service restaurant and a snack bar, a lounge bar, Wi-Fi, a prayer room, a children's play area and a number of accessible cabins. Girolata and Piana previously served the Tanger Med route.
Route to Morocco
La Méridionale served Marseille - Tanger Med. Previous crossings took around 40 hours, with two nights on board. The route has been suspended for the low season since 15 September 2026. The operator is reviewing its service for future summer seasons; a resumption has not been confirmed.
Check-in, vehicles and pets
The following information describes the former service and does not confirm future conditions of carriage.
In Marseille, the Morocco ferries depart from the Grand Port Maritime; the operator publishes access maps for Marseille and Tanger Med, and the binding check-in times appear on your ticket. You need a valid passport for Morocco, and for customs formalities with a vehicle, La Méridionale recommends completing them before departure.
Cars, vans, motorbikes, scooters, quad bikes and vehicle-trailer combinations can travel, as can motorhomes, bicycles and e-bikes; trailers, roof boxes and additional loads must be declared at booking. Electric vehicles need a charge level between 20 and 80 percent, and charging on board is not allowed. LPG-powered vehicles need a safety valve, and motorhomes may carry at most three gas cylinders totalling 47 kilograms. Commercial vehicles travel with freight papers rather than a passenger ticket. On the Marseille - Tanger Med route, carrying pets of any kind is forbidden; only guide and assistance dogs may stay with their owner.
Tickets
There are no current departures for Marseille - Tanger Med during the low-season pause. Travellers who have already booked are being contacted directly about a suitable alternative. Find other crossings in the timetable and price overview.
FAQ La Méridionale
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers about La Méridionale and the Marseille - Tanger Med ferry
Which route does La Méridionale run to Morocco? +
Marseille - Tanger Med has been suspended for the low season since 15 September 2026. La Méridionale is reviewing its service for future summer seasons; a resumption has not been confirmed.
Who is La Méridionale? +
La Méridionale was founded in 1931 as Compagnie Méridionale de Navigation by brothers Henri and Félix Rastit, is based in Marseille and has been part of the CMA CGM Group since 31 May 2023. Around 600 staff on land and at sea carry close to 280,000 passengers a year.
Which ships does La Méridionale use? +
The fleet consists of four RoPax ferries: Girolata, Piana, Kalliste and the Massalia, which joined in 2025. The Massalia served Marseille - Tanger Med from June 2025; she is 161 metres long, carries around 1,700 passengers and 492 vehicles, and has 217 cabins.
Can I bring my car or motorhome? +
The former service carried cars, vans, motorbikes, scooters, quads, motorhomes, bicycles and e-bikes. EVs require 20-80% charge; charging on board is forbidden. Motorhomes may carry at most three gas cylinders totalling 47 kilograms.
Can my pet come on board? +
No. On the Marseille - Tanger Med route, carrying pets of any kind is expressly forbidden; only guide and assistance dogs may stay with their owner. If you want to travel to Morocco with a pet, choose a different operator.
Where can I find the timetable and fares? +
Marseille - Tanger Med is suspended for the low season; a resumption has not been confirmed. Find other crossings in the timetable and price overview.