Morocco Eyes Massive Subsea Tunnel Expansion to Portugal and Spain Amid Shipping Risks

Morocco explores massive underwater tunnel projects to Portugal and Spain to secure trade routes against rising shipping risks and maritime disruptions.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 2, 2026, 7:08 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Business Insider Africa

Strategic Infrastructure to Bypass Global Maritime Volatility

The proposed development of a subsea highway between Morocco and Portugal represents a critical shift in how African economies intend to navigate global logistics disruptions. According to reports from OkDiario and Morocco World News, this project involves an underwater tunnel connecting the northern road networks of Morocco directly to southern Portugal. The initiative aims to create a "proximity corridor" across the Atlantic, providing a stable alternative to traditional shipping routes that have become increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical tensions and maritime risks.

The Engineering Framework of a Subsea Highway

Technical designs for the Morocco to Portugal link describe a modular infrastructure leap that could redefine regional territory. The plan outlines a dual bore tunnel featuring separate lanes for each direction alongside a dedicated technical emergency corridor. Engineers involved in the preliminary stages suggest the use of prefabricated submerged sections and advanced tunnel boring machines specifically adapted for high seabed pressure. This phased construction approach is intended to integrate Morocco’s high capacity roads north of Tangier with the Algarve network and the A22 motorway in Portugal without halting current traffic flows.

Financial Momentum and the Resurgence of Rail Links

While the Portugal project is estimated at roughly €800 million, it coincides with renewed energy for a much larger undertaking between Morocco and Spain. This separate undersea rail tunnel, which has been under consideration for years, is now projected to cost between €15 billion and €20 billion. The 42 kilometer route would connect Cape Malabata near Tangier to Punta Paloma in Spain, with roughly 27 kilometers of the track running deep underwater. Spain’s financial commitment to this specific rail link is expected to exceed €8.5 billion, reflecting a significant investment in transcontinental connectivity.