Rachid Houari (pictured) has been appointed to head up ferry operations in the Strait of Gibraltar as the new Managing Director of African Morocco Link (AML).
He has had more than 25 years of maritime experience in ferry, ro-ro, and port operations in shipping between Morocco and Spain.
Most recently, he held the position of Managing Director for three logistics zones companies within the Tangier Med Group, where he previously also had responsibilities for both port and ferry operations.
As AML Managing Director in Morocco, Houari will be responsible for managing the two freight and passenger routes between Tanger Med and Algeciras, as well as the highspeed route between Tanger Ville and Tarifa.
He succeeds Ian Hampton, who has served as AML’s interim Managing Director since May of last year.
After the handover of the AML operation, Hampton will move back to the UK and focus on Anglesey Land Holding.
In April, 2024, Swedish ferry company, Stena Line, acquired 49% of the shares in the Morocco-based ferry company, AML, taking a step to expand the company’s operations beyond Europe.
“It is an honour and truly an exciting challenge for me to take on the role of Managing Director for AML. I will do my utmost to develop the business in this expansive region, where I see great opportunities for the company moving forward, as well as for Morocco’s trade with Europe,” Houari said.
“I am very pleased to welcome Rachid into the Stena Line sphere and am convinced that, with his extensive and broad experience in running operations in the Strait of Gibraltar, he will succeed in this role.
“At the same time, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ian Hampton for his efforts in leading the business during its first year,” added, Niclas Mårtensson, Stena Line CEO.
