Spain-Morocco in 30 minutes: The 65 km submarine tunnel reaches a historic milestone in 2026!

The Spanish government has released a new envelope in mid-March 2026 to accelerate the technical studies of this extraordinary infrastructure. This project, carried by SECEGSA, plans a 65-kilometer tunnel connecting Vejer de la Frontera to Tangier. About 40 kilometers of the structure will wind through Spanish territory to reach an ultra-fast rail crossing between the two shores of the strait.

On Bladi.net: New developments for the Morocco - Spain tunnel

Long considered utopian, the project is now technically viable according to the experts of Herrenknecht Ibérica. Their analyses confirm that it is possible to drill the "Seuil de Camarinal", a complex area separating the Mediterranean from the Atlantic. Although the engineering challenge is extreme, current limits allow for the perforation of the seabed despite a maximum depth of nearly 500 meters.

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Spanish and Moroccan Transport Ministers, Óscar Puente and Karim Zidane. This pact launches a three-year phase dedicated to the study of the seismicity and geodynamics of the strait. This crucial step, including the analysis of tsunami risks, is essential before the launch of the reconnaissance gallery, the call for tenders of which could take place as early as 2027.

The final structure will consist of two single-track rail tunnels and a central service gallery. Transverse galleries are planned every 340 meters to ensure passenger safety. A secure parking area will be set up at the lowest point of the route to allow for emergency interventions or smoke extraction, thus guaranteeing optimal operation of this future vital artery.

On Bladi.net: Spain-Morocco Tunnel: the project technically validated, start of work in 2030?

According to OKDiario, an offshore research campaign will begin before June 2026 to model the seabed in 3D. This colossal project, whose cost exceeds 8.5 billion euros for the Spanish part alone, mobilizes leading scientific institutes such as the CSIC. If the results are favorable, the preliminary excavation phase will span a period of six to nine years.