Vodafone to provide communication services for Morocco-Spain underwater tunnel studies

Friday 29 August 2025 - 08:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Vodafone to provide communication services for Morocco-Spain underwater tunnel studies

Vodafone UK has secured a contract to deliver communication services for the team conducting studies on the proposed Morocco-Spain underwater tunnel, a groundbreaking project aiming to connect Europe and Africa through the Strait of Gibraltar.

Vodafone’s role in the project

The Spanish government awarded Vodafone the contract in mid-August, ensuring that the 15-member expert team has access to reliable voice and data communication services over the next two years.

The contract, valued at over €29,000 annually (including taxes), guarantees a 1-gigabit network, a 24-hour surveillance system, and essential equipment such as landlines, mobile phones, and advanced smart devices. These tools are expected to ensure uninterrupted progress on the project, which has been under study for over four decades.

Feasibility studies underway

Spain’s Transport Ministry has tasked public company EniCo with a €350,000 financial feasibility study, funded by the European “Next Generation” fund. This study will assess passenger and freight flows, identify potential station locations in Algeciras or Tarifa, and explore private sector financing models similar to the English Channel tunnel.

Additionally, a German engineering firm specializing in tunnel construction has been hired to evaluate geological challenges in the Amp de Camarinal area, a highly complex section of the proposed route. Researchers aim to present a comprehensive report by next summer, though construction is unlikely to commence before 2040.

A strategic corridor for Europe and Africa

Spanning approximately 40 kilometers, with 28 kilometers running underwater at depths of up to 300 meters, the tunnel is envisioned as a transformative infrastructure project. It is expected to serve as a strategic corridor for transportation, trade, and energy between North Africa and Europe.

While construction agreements are yet to be finalized, both Morocco and Spain see the tunnel as a crucial link to strengthen regional connectivity and foster economic ties across continents.