The viability of the tunnel project between Morocco and Spain under the Strait of Gibraltar divides experts from the two countries. This week, the National Society for the Studies of the Strait of Gibraltar (SNED) told the press that “a project of this magnitude requires exhaustive planning in several aspects: decision-making at the highest level, technical studies, specific explorations , promotion in forums and specialized organizations, search for financing and execution methods, application of the law…”.
Read: Tunnel between Morocco and Spain: soon to start work?
The SNED believes that the conditions are not met for work on the tunnel to start in 2025, in anticipation of the 2030 World Cup co-organized by Morocco, Spain and Portugal. On the other hand, this sporting event can help accelerate the implementation of the project, adds the SNED.
Read: Gibraltar Tunnel: still far from groundbreaking
The technical feasibility of the project and its cost constitute the main obstacles to its realization. “Its cost is very high. This is one of the reasons why it was delayed,” Rafael García-Monge, engineer of roads, canals and ports, and secretary general of the Spanish Society of Studies for Fixed Communications, recently told El Independiente through the Strait of Gibraltar (SEGEGSA). According to studies carried out thirty years ago, the estimated cost of the tunnel under the strait was 13 billion euros. Today, this amount is expected to reach double.
Read: The Morocco-Spain tunnel, by 2030?
The Morocco-Spain tunnel project under the strait was reactivated in April 2023, during the High-Level Meeting held in Rabat. It was first mentioned in 1989 and consisted of the construction of a bridge to connect Africa to Europe. This option will be abandoned in 1995 in favor of a 38.7 kilometer long railway tunnel, including 27.7 kilometers by submarine. The Morocco-Spain joint commission is expected to hold a new meeting on the project in May or June.
#Maroc
