فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The underwater tunnel project connecting Morocco and Spain has entered a new phase with the commencement of actual and experimental studies, according to a report by “Al Ahdath Al Maghribia” newspaper in its issue published on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. This massive project is considered one of the greatest engineering challenges in modern history, with both countries’ governments demonstrating their determination to move forward with its realization.
As part of these developments, the Spanish government has recently leased four seismometers valued at 488,000 euros to study the seabed in the Strait of Gibraltar. The Spanish Company for Fixed Communication Studies across the Strait of Gibraltar (SECEGSA) explained that these devices are necessary for conducting seismotectonic research, which will continue for six months after the equipment is delivered to the Royal Institute and Naval Observatory in San Fernando near Cadiz.
The visit of Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente to Morocco last March contributed to strengthening the two countries’ resolve to implement this project, which had been shelved for many years before being revived. The Spanish minister emphasized the interest of Spanish companies in participating in the construction of this tunnel, which could bring about profound transformations in trade relations and facilitate the flow of goods between Europe and Africa.
According to the approved plan, the tunnel will extend for 42 kilometers, including 27.7 kilometers underwater, connecting Punta Paloma in Spain to Punta Malabata in Morocco. The tunnel will consist of three tubes, two of which are dedicated to passenger and freight rail transport, with the third reserved for services and security. SECEGSA expects the tunnel to be operational between the 2030s and 2040s.
It’s worth noting that Spain and Morocco had signed an agreement in 1980 regarding the fixed link project between Europe and Africa, which subsequently led to the establishment of two national companies: SECEGSA in Spain and the National Company for Gibraltar Strait Studies (SNED) in Morocco, to follow up on the implementation of this ambitious project.
