Working Conditions Aboard the Jaume-I

On April 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., the ferry 'Jaume I' encountered a ramp malfunction while docking in Tangier, causing delays for passengers arriving from Tarifa. Passengers traveling with vehicles in the car deck were particularly affected by this issue. The ferry had already departed from Tarifa later than scheduled due to preliminary signs of potential ramp failure. Upon reaching Tangier approximately 45 minutes later, the ramp malfunction intensified, prompting pedestrian passengers to use walkways for disembarkation. However, those with vehicles—totaling seven cars and vans—faced an extended wait of over four hours. Eventually, they were returned to Tarifa in the early afternoon and transferred to another vessel of the same company. The disruption led to the cancellation of all subsequent sailings for the 'Jaume I' for the day. In contrast, the 'Avemar Dos,' another ferry operated by Baleària on the Tarifa-Tangier route, continued its operations without interruption. For additional information and photos, visit the report provided here: https://www.europasur.es/tarifa/averia-rampa-ferry-pasajeros-retenidos-tanger_0_2006369733.html#goog_rewarded.

On December 30, 2025, the ferry 'Jaume I' experienced a significant engine failure while en route from Tangier to Tarifa, resulting in the need for an emergency evacuation of its approximately 40 passengers. As the vessel was unable to navigate towards the dock, it anchored at the breakwater of Tarifa's port. Meanwhile, local emergency services, including firefighters from the Provincial Fire Consortium, Port Police, and the Civil Guard, coordinated an aerial ladder rescue operation. Passengers were safely disembarked in groups of three, adhering to established safety protocols. The situation caused a temporary halt to all scheduled fast ferry operations on the Tarifa-Tangier City route, as the stricken ferry's position obstructed other vessels. Ferry services remained suspended until the 'Jaume I' was able to resume operations later that afternoon, enabling ferry companies to restart their journeys between Tarifa and Tangier. However, special ferry departures from Algeciras were canceled due to the disruption. For more details, including photos and videos of the incident, visit the following links: 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 initiated administrative sanctions against Balearia following a serious incident of pollution caused by the ferry "Jaume I" in August 2024 at the port of Tarifa. The proceedings were prompted by a complaint from the environmental group Ecologists in Action (Agaden), which documented excessive emissions of thick, dark smoke from the vessel during its docking and undocking activities. Reports from multiple media outlets highlighted the visible pollution impacting the Tarifa port area, including soot accumulation in the water and nearby regions. The most alarming episode occurred on August 12, when the ferry emitted an unusual amount of smoke, raising significant concerns among local residents and businesses. Known for its history of high emissions, the "Jaume I," which has been in operation for over three decades, was compared by Agaden to the pollution generated by more than 300 continuously running vehicles. In light of these findings, the organization had urged the immediate suspension of ferry services until necessary emissions reductions were implemented, alongside a thorough inspection of the vessel's engines and pollution control systems. Community backlash over the pervasive smoke, unpleasant odors, and floating debris ultimately prompted the Maritime Authority to take action. Currently servicing the Tarifa-Tangier route, Balearia, based in Denia, is planning to transition to more environmentally friendly operations with the introduction of electric propulsion technology in two new catamarans to be constructed at Armón Shipyard in Gijón.

On June 5, 2021, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the ferry 'Jaume I', en route from Ceuta to Algeciras in Cádiz, experienced an unexpected delay caused by the discovery of two young stowaways. Allegedly minors from Morocco, these individuals had attempted to cross the Strait of Gibraltar by concealing themselves near the ferry's vehicle ramp. The crew identified their presence just before departure, leading to a temporary hold on the ferry's schedule for roughly an hour. The situation necessitated the involvement of both the Civil Guard and the Port Police to safely escort the two young men from the dangerous area where they were hiding, underscoring the risks associated with such desperate migration attempts.

On February 24, 2020, the ferry 'Jaume I' encountered an accident shortly after its debut on the Algeciras to Ceuta route. Having recently replaced the 'Avemar Dos' (IMO: 9170183) for a scheduled technical stop, the 'Jaume I' struck the breakwater at Algeciras while departing at approximately 6 a.m. This incident led to the cancellation of the first two sailings between Algeciras and Ceuta. In response to the situation, Bàlearia promptly reinstated the 'Avemar Dos' into service, allowing operations to resume by 9:30 a.m. until the 'Jaume I' is cleared to return to the water.