Casablanca – The long-envisioned Spain-Morocco tunnel project has taken a significant step forward with the commissioning of a feasibility study by Herrenknecht Ibérica, the Spanish subsidiary of the renowned German tunneling technology company Herrenknecht. This ambitious infrastructure project aims to connect Punta Paloma in Tarifa, Spain, to Punta Malabata in Tangier, Morocco, via a 42-kilometer tunnel beneath the Strait of Gibraltar, 27.7 kilometers of which will be underwater.
A strategic link between continents
The tunnel, expected to be completed by 2030, represents a transformative connection between Europe and Africa, enabling high-speed rail transport for both passengers and freight. At its deepest point, the tunnel will reach 475 meters below sea level, far exceeding the depth of the Channel Tunnel, which links France and the United Kingdom.
Once operational, the tunnel is projected to accommodate 12.8 million passengers and transport 13 million tons of goods annually. By reducing travel times between Madrid and Casablanca to just 5.5 hours, this infrastructure will revolutionize mobility and trade between the two continents.
Feasibility Study to Tackle Technical and Environmental Challenges
Herrenknecht Ibérica has been awarded a $320,000 contract to carry out the feasibility study, which is set to conclude by June 2025. The study will address critical technical, environmental, and logistical challenges, including the high water pressure at such depths, strong ocean currents, and the seismic activity of the region.
The tunnel will feature two parallel rail tunnels for high-speed trains and a third tunnel dedicated to maintenance, connected by cross-passages every 340 meters and safety zones every 100 meters. This innovative design aims to ensure both operational efficiency and passenger safety.
Economic and geopolitical significance
The €6 billion project is expected to significantly enhance economic activity in both regions. The cities of Tangier and Algeciras, already key logistical hubs, are poised to benefit from increased trade flows and tourism. Furthermore, the tunnel underscores the deepening ties between Morocco and Spain, highlighting their shared commitment to advancing cross-border connectivity.
A dream nearly a century in the making
The idea of a fixed link across the Strait of Gibraltar was first proposed in 1930. After decades of studies and delays, the project has gained renewed momentum in recent years, driven by technological advancements and improved bilateral relations.
With Herrenknecht Ibérica now on board to complete the feasibility study, the Spain-Morocco tunnel project is edging closer to turning this nearly century-old dream into reality. If completed as planned, the tunnel will not only serve as a marvel of modern engineering but also as a vital link uniting Europe and Africa.
