Morocco rail tunnel studies are moving ahead. Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility authorised €1.73m for technical studies on the proposed railway tunnel between Spain and Morocco beneath the Strait of Gibraltar, as reported by Rail Journal.

Morocco rail tunnel study funded by Spain at €1.73m
Cross-section of the proposed Strait of Gibraltar tunnel which would have two rail tunnels and a central service tunnel.
Photo Credit: Secegsa

Also, the funding will be provided through Secegsa, the Spanish Company for Studies on a Fixed Link Across the Gibraltar Strait.

Morocco rail tunnel timeline and technical studies

Meanwhile, the decision follows the completion in December of a study by German tunnel boring machine supplier Herrenknecht. The study found that a 65km tunnel could be bored. At the same time, the company concluded that the scheme could not be completed in time for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Spain, Portugal and Morocco are due to stage that event jointly.

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Still, Herrenknecht said a more realistic timeframe would be between 2035 and 2040. For example, the company pointed to flysch formations. These are sedimentary deposits with thin beds of shale or marl. They alternate with coarser strata such as sandstone or conglomerate. In addition, the company highlighted the depth and instability of the seabed. It said the project would require preliminary exploratory tunnels, advanced seismic studies and specially adapted TBMs. That challenge was also highlighted by RailFreight.

Strait of Gibraltar tunnel links and next steps

Meanwhile, the Strait of Gibraltar tunnel could be linked to the high-speed rail networks in Spain and Morocco. Still, a new line would need to be built in Spain.

Separately, state-owned engineering consultancy Ineco is due to complete an initial pre-project plan this summer. At the same time, that could then be followed by a tender next year for an exploratory shaft.

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