TheMinistry of the Interiorhas awarded theMedals for Civil Protection Merit corresponding to 2024 and 2025at an event held at theNational Auditorium of Music, a ceremony in which thePort of Algecirashas received notable recognition for its role in the management of theOperation Crossing of the Strait(OPE).
Specifically, the department headed byFernando Grande-Marlaskahas granted theBronze Medal for Civil Protection Merit with a blue distinctionto the president of thePort Authority of the Bay of Algeciras,Gerardo Landaluce; to the general director of the institution,José Luis Hormaechea; and to the deputy general director of the Exploitation Area,Rafael Olivares. The recognition highlights their collaboration and coordination in the device that articulates the massive transit of passengers between Europe and North Africa every summer. Likewise, during the event, the head of the Maritime Border Post of theNational PoliceinAlgeciras, Chief InspectorEsther Mendoza.
This distinction values the effort, commitment, professionalism, and cooperation of the entire human team participating in the OPE device at the ports ofPort of AlgecirasandPort of Tarifa, one of the largest logistical operations for the mobility of people that take place every year in Europe. The operation ensures the fluidity and security of millions of travelers crossing theStrait of Gibraltarduring the summer period.
The last edition of the device recorded historic figures. TheOperation Crossing of the Strait 2025exceeded for the first timethree million passengers, which represented an increase of 5.3% compared to the previous year, in addition to more than658,000 vehicles, a 3.6% increase.
The Port Authority has also congratulated more than 200 individuals and institutions honored in this edition for their trajectory and work in the field of civil protection and emergencies. Among them, the recognition of the Cordoban municipality ofAdamuz, distinguished with theGold Medal for Civil Protection Merit with a red distinction.