Europe and Africa may soon be connected by two undersea tunnel projects valued at €800 million and €20 billion, respectively, amid growing risks to global maritime routes. A proposed underwater highway between Morocco and Portugal has been gaining attention as African economies step up efforts to secure alternative trade routes in the face of persistent disruptions on global shipping lanes.
The project, estimated at over 800 million euros, would connect North Africa to Southern Europe via an undersea tunnel, creating what promoters describe as a “proximity corridor” in the Atlantic.
The development was initially reported by the Portuguese outlet Ok Diario and cited by Morocco World News, although there is still no official confirmation from the authorities.
Concept and Technical Framework
According to reports, the corridor would link Morocco’s high-capacity road network, north of Tangier, to the Algarve network in Portugal and the A22 highway, supported by onshore logistics infrastructure and complementary maritime connections.
Engineers involved in the initial phases say the project represents “an infrastructure leap that changes the way we understand the region.”
The development is structured as a “modular project,” allowing for phased construction without disrupting regional traffic, with coordination planned through a joint consortium that will operate under unified standards for safety, interoperability, and environmental sustainability.
The design includes a twin-tube tunnel, with separate lanes for each direction and an emergency service tunnel. The ventilation systems would combine longitudinal extraction with pressurized control points, in addition to shelters and advanced safety systems.
The technical plans under review include prefabricated submerged sections and excavation using tunnel boring machines adapted to seabed pressure and geological conditions.
“This is not science fiction; it is complex engineering with high safety margins,” technical sources stated.
Uncertainty and Verification Gaps
However, key elements of the proposal remain unconfirmed. A major Moroccan media outlet indicated that it was unable to independently verify the details and requested clarification from the Portuguese government, with no response so far.
The final costs of the project are also expected to vary depending on factors such as seismic risk and seabed geology.
Parallel Morocco-Spain plans are gaining momentum again
The renewed interest in the Morocco-Portugal corridor comes at a time when Africa and Europe are seeking new infrastructure to reduce dependence on vulnerable bottlenecks in global trade.
A separate underwater rail tunnel project between Morocco and Spain, long under consideration, is also gaining new momentum.
This initiative, estimated to cost between €15 billion and €20 billion, will span approximately 42 kilometers, including roughly 27 kilometers underwater, connecting Punta Paloma in Spain to Cape Malabata near Tangier. The Spanish portion is valued at over 8.5 billion euros.
The tunnel, designed to carry passengers and cargo, could reduce travel time between the two continents to about 30 minutes, with the potential to transform trade flows in the region.
Strategic Shift in African Trade Routes
Together, these projects highlight a broader shift in Africa’s trade strategy, as governments and investors seek more resilient and diversified transport corridors in response to persistent risks on critical maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: Business Insider Africa
