CONNECTING CONTINENTS: A TUNNEL CLOSER

Creative underwater tunnel interpretation Spain-Morocco

The idea of connecting Morocco and Spain isn’t new. Two visionaries behind the project were King Hassan II of Morocco and King Juan Carlos I of Spain. In 1979, they signed a joint declaration of intent to explore its feasibility. But even before that, early plans were already floating around to create a technical masterpiece linking the two neighboring countries.

Now, 45 years later, technology has advanced enough to conquer the conditions of the Strait of Gibraltar. And with world events in 2030—World Cup, I’m looking at you—acting as a cheerleader for this project, there’s finally some light at the end of the tunnel. The recent announcement that Herrenknecht Ibérica—a division of the German tunneling giant Herrenknecht—has been commissioned to conduct a drilling feasibility study marks real progress. The contract, valued at €282,500, signals that this vision is edging closer to reality. The study should be finalized by the end of June.

Some Facts That Will Leave You Flabbergasted

• Connection: Punta Paloma, Spain ↔ Malabata (Tangier), Morocco

• Total Tunnel Distance: 39 kilometers (24 miles)

• Underwater Distance: 27 kilometers (17 miles)

• Travel Depth: 300 meters (deepest point) below sea level

• The Strait's depth ranges between 300 and 900 metres (980 and 2,950 feet; 160 and 490 fathoms)

• Capacity: 12.8 million travelers per year

• Estimated Cost: 6 billion euros

Connection Punta Paloma -Spain - Tanger Malabata -Morocco

Impact on Tourism

Driving or hopping on a train would make access to Morocco from Spain so much easier. For Moroccans, who already represent a huge percentage of visitors on the Spanish costas, this tunnel would be a game-changer. And for MREs, who traditionally travel by car to visit their home country and currently rely on a ship or ferry, it would make the journey even smoother.

But the picture is much bigger than that. This isn’t just about Moroccan travelers—it’s about opening doors for people across Europe and Africa. Look at the Channel Tunnel. It turned the UK into my neighboring village as a young Belgian, making travel seamless and opportunities limitless. Life-changing experiences—I believe that’s what we can call this.

Now imagine what this tunnel could do. A direct gateway to Morocco’s souks, beaches, and mountains. A surge in cross-continental tourism. New adventures, new connections, and a world of possibilities.

The economic impact would be massive. Hospitality, transport, and retail would boom. For Morocco’s young population, this would be a huge bubble of oxygen, creating jobs and new career paths.

A Dream or Reality?

If technology can conquer the Strait of Gibraltar, then the political elite of Morocco and Spain can surely overcome the hurdles ahead. And if they do, this will be one of the greatest technological achievements in modern history—bridging two cultures and two continents.

Peter

Time for a coffee.

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