In the latest sign that the long-stalled plan could become a reality, Herrenknecht Iberica has been awarded a contract to carry out a feasibility study for the construction of an undersea rail tunnel between Morocco and Spain.
If built, the tunnel would be one of the longest of its kind in the world. It would make the transport of goods and people between Africa and the European Union faster and cheaper. It would surpass the 38-kilometre underwater section of the Channel Tunnel. In Morocco, it would come to the surface close to the port city of Tangier, while its Spanish terminal would be in the south, in the province of Cadiz, in a sparsely populated area.
Morocco and Spain have been discussing a permanent link between the two countries - either a tunnel or a bridge - since at least 1980. But the cost and complexity of the project have stymied their ambitions. Now, however, with the backing of the EU, the duo seem determined to revive the plan.
The tunnel between Spain and Morocco would be similar to the Channel Tunnel. There would be two parallel single-track tunnels. High-speed passenger and freight trains would run in opposite directions. Trucks and cars would be able to board the trains. The project is being managed by Secegsa, a company owned by the Spanish state.
“The Strait of Gibraltar is a bottleneck for traffic between North Africa and Europe – a tunnel would significantly increase the efficiency of freight and passenger transport,” said the Herrenknecht spokeswoman.
