TRAFFIC, FERRIES AND LOGISTICS
Live maritime traffic in the Strait of Gibraltar
Visual AIS radar, the GIBREP reporting system, official Strait Crossing Operation data and the vessel-service network supporting one of the world's busiest maritime corridors.
IN 60 SECONDS
How to read traffic without drawing false conclusions
It is a useful visual signal, but it may have delays, filters and coverage gaps.
Tarifa Traffic and Tangier Traffic coordinate mandatory reporting for certain ships.
Cross-strait ferry routes coexist with major east–west flows and port manoeuvres.
An empty map or signal loss never proves by itself that the Strait is closed.
AIS RADAR
Visible vessels around the Strait
Visible AIS ≠ official count
The external map loads on demand
When clicked, the browser will connect to MarineTraffic and its privacy policy will apply.
CargoTankersPassengerOther
HOW IT IS ORGANISED
Two directions, ferry crossings and continuous monitoring
The traffic-separation scheme channels east–west flows. Cross-strait ferries, port manoeuvres, anchorages and service craft add another layer of complexity.
MEDITERRANEAN ENTRY →
← ATLANTIC EXIT
- Tarifa and Tangier coordinate mandatory GIBREP reporting.
- Public radar supports observation but does not certify volumes.
- Incidents should be checked against official maritime sources.
SEASON 15 JUNE — 15 SEPTEMBER
Strait Crossing Operation 2026
Rotations, passengers and vehicles from official Spanish Civil Protection situation reports, always shown with the report date and original document.
— departure passengers/day— departure vehicles/day— return passengers/day
Open OPE 2026 dashboardALGECIRAS ↔ TANGIER MED—passengers that day in both directions
MARITIME ECONOMY
Traffic also supports a vessel-service network
Bunkering, agency, repairs, pilotage, towage, supplies and technical assistance are part of the Strait's port system.
Explore vessel servicesSEARCH QUESTIONS
What the map can and cannot prove
Does the AIS radar count every vessel?
No. It is an external visualisation and may contain delays, filters or coverage gaps. A visible vessel may be anchored rather than crossing.
What is GIBREP?
It is the mandatory reporting system for certain vessels crossing the Strait, coordinated by Tarifa Traffic and Tangier Traffic within the traffic-separation scheme.
Would an empty map prove the Strait is closed?
No. Missing public AIS signals are never treated as proof of closure. Operational data and official confirmation would be required.
Where can I see ferry and passenger data?
During OPE 2026, Gibraltar Watch summarises official Civil Protection reports and always links to the original document.
CONTINUE EXPLORING
Traffic, strategic value and scenarios
WHY TRAFFIC MATTERS
Who controls the corridorAIS shows ships; context explains power
Maritime volume sustains ports, energy, industry and services. A major disruption would have economic and political effects on both shores.
PARTNERSHIPS
Sponsor useful information, never the indicators
Clearly labelled formats for logistics, training, transport, ports and maritime services.
Traceability and corrections
- Author
- Gibraltar Watch Editorial Team
- Sources
- Spanish Civil Protection, Salvamento Marítimo, APBA and MarineTraffic AIS visualisation.
- Standard
- Official data, visual signals and editorial explanation are kept separate.
- Corrections
- Submit a documented correction.
Traceability and corrections
- Author
- Gibraltar Watch Editorial Team
- Review
- Updated when source data or official project information changes materially.
- Standard
- Facts, interpretations and scenarios are separated. Seismic activity is never presented as a prediction.
- Corrections
- Submit a documented correction.