Kruzenshtern: The Legend of Russian Ships Docks in Casablanca Port with Diplomatic Welcome
By: Ghita Hafiani – ALDAR
In a vibrant and festive atmosphere, the Port of Casablanca hosted a maritime event on July 3rd, organized by the Russian Embassy in Morocco in cooperation with the Federal Agency for Fisheries of the Russian Federation. The highlight of the occasion was an official reception aboard the legendary tall ship Kruzenshtern, attended by a number of foreign diplomats accredited to the Kingdom.
The event offered guests a unique opportunity to explore one of the largest and most renowned sailing ships in the world, while learning about its rich history, which embodies a significant part of Russia’s maritime heritage. It also served to shed light on the longstanding traditions of Russian naval navigation.
Kruzenshtern is more than just a ship; it is considered a floating university that welcomes dozens of students and young sailors from around the world to receive practical training in the arts of navigation and seafaring. The current voyage includes over 140 cadets, including 13 international trainees from Morocco, Cuba, Egypt, and Kazakhstan—highlighting the ship’s humanitarian and cultural mission.
In a speech delivered during the event, Russian Ambassador to Morocco, Vladimir Baibakov, emphasized that “Kruzenshtern represents a symbol of unity and closeness among nations, and a space for exchanging experiences and cultures.”
It is worth noting that this stop in Casablanca is part of the Great African Mission, launched by the Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries in celebration of the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War. Prior to arriving in Casablanca, the ship had already docked at the ports of Agadir (Morocco), Cape Town (South Africa), and Port Louis (Mauritius), continuing its extraordinary journey.
