The concept of an underwater rail tunnel under the Strait of Gibraltar, developed over three decades ago, is currently gaining renewed attention. The catalyst is increased political support, investment, and progress in technical evaluations.
This initiative goes beyond engineering, aiming for regional cooperation and geopolitical unification. The tunnel would significantly alter transportation between Africa and Europe, connecting areas previously divided by the sea. Initial proposals appeared in the 1980s but were delayed by economic, technical, and diplomatic challenges.
The project resumed in April 2023 following discussions between former Spanish Transport Minister Raquel Sánchez and her Moroccan counterpart. Since then, investments have surged; Spain's Secegsa expanded its study budget from €100,000 in 2022 to €2.7 million in 2024, supplemented by €2 million from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility, enabling research enhancement and expert engagement.
Initially, plans included dual tunnels for trains and vehicles, but revised studies prioritize a single rail tunnel for both passengers and freight, considering feasibility, profit, safety, and sustainability. The Umbral Route, 28 kilometers long and 300 meters deep, was selected for minimizing geological hazards over the shorter but deeper Canyon Route.
The complete project, including land extensions, spans 60 kilometers, surpassing the Channel Tunnel in length. Two primary studies to confirm technical viability are ongoing. Herrenknecht Ibérica evaluates drilling methodologies at Camarinal Sill, providing essential data by July 2025. Tekpam Engineering examines regional seismic activity, resuming soon after a safety hiatus and extending through September 2025.
While facing technical hurdles like strong currents and complex geology, the project also requires Morocco to modernize and electrify its northern rail infrastructure. Funding needs exceed €15 billion, necessitating solid co-financing agreements among Spain, Morocco, and the EU.
No official operational date has been set, but the tunnel could be in use around 2040 in optimistic scenarios. Initially, trains would run bidirectionally in a single tunnel, with plans for a second tunnel to optimize capacity.
This venture aims to enhance trade, open logistics routes, alleviate port congestion, facilitate travel, promote tourism, and symbolize geopolitical unity, all while reducing the importance of physical borders.
Source: Blueberries Consulting
