It’s a groundbreaking project that aims to connect Europe and Africa through a fixed link across the Gibraltar Strait. Despite the name, for obvious reasons, it won’t go via Gibraltar, they don’t have a rail connection and have less than friendly relations with Spain. It was first discussed by Spain and Morocco in 1979. Maggie Thatcher wanted the route to go via Gibraltar, but that was totally impractical. This ambitious undertaking has captured the imagination of engineers, economists, and environmentalists alike, sparking discussions about its technical feasibility, environmental impact, and economic implications.

It could happen

Spain and Morocco are now reconsidering this project, clearly with a view to the approaching 2030 FIFA World Cup. It will mark the centennial World Cup competition, this time three countries from two continents will host the competition: Spain, Morocco, and Portugal. Fans from these three countries, let alone from further afield, will want to travel between the host countries for matches as quickly and efficiently as possible. The strain it would put on air travel could be massive. It might just make this project viable. Spain recently announced €‎2.3 million (£2 million) in funding for a design study on the Gibraltar Strait fixed link. The funding will be provided through the European Union’s Recovery, Transformation & Resilience Plan.


The Euro Africa Gibraltar Straight Fixed Link is envisioned as a marvel of engineering that will span the distance between Europe and Africa, linking the continents in a way never seen before. This proposed fixed link is expected to be of significant length, crossing the Gibraltar Strait, which measures approximately 14.3 kilometres at its narrowest point. The depth of the strait, which reaches depths of up to 900 meters, presents a technical challenge that engineers will need to overcome. No doubt the experience of the construction of the Chanel Tunnel will help.

Morocco now has high-speed rail

The inauguration of Morocco’s first high-speed rail line in 2018 renewed confidence in the project to connect it with Spain’s own high-speed rail network. Tangier serves as the starting point of the high-speed rail line in Morocco which serves both Rabat and Casablanca.


Construction materials such as reinforced concrete and steel will likely be used to ensure the stability and durability of the fixed link. The potential benefits of the fixed link are vast, with the improved transportation and trade opportunities between Europe and Africa promising to boost economic growth and cultural exchange between the two continents. This project, should it go ahead, is estimated to cost 6 to 7bn euros. If it goes ahead, it will cost more, that’s the way it works.


A massive challenge


However, the construction of the Euro Africa Gibraltar Straight Fixed Link also raises concerns about its environmental impact. The ecological consequences of building a fixed link across the Gibraltar Strait could be significant, potentially disrupting marine life in the area. The unique ecosystem of the strait, which is home to a diverse range of marine species, may be threatened by the construction activities and increased maritime traffic that the fixed link would bring. Measures to mitigate these environmental damages must be carefully considered, including the implementation of wildlife protection zones, noise reduction strategies, and post-construction monitoring programs to ensure the long-term sustainability of the marine environment.

Environment challenges

In addition to its environmental implications, the Euro Africa Gibraltar Straight Fixed Link also has important economic implications. The economic feasibility of the project will depend on factors such as construction costs, maintenance expenses, and projected revenues from increased trade and transportation activities. Local communities and businesses stand to benefit from the fixed link through enhanced connectivity, job creation, and tourism opportunities. Comparisons with other transportation infrastructure projects, such as bridges and tunnels, can provide valuable insights into the cost-effectiveness and long-term economic impact of the Euro Africa Gibraltar Straight Fixed Link, helping policymakers and investors make informed decisions about the project's viability.

Will it really happen?

The Euro-Africa Gibraltar Straight Fixed Link represents a bold vision for connecting Europe and Africa through a fixed link across the Gibraltar Strait. While the project holds immense promise for enhancing transportation, trade, and economic development between the two continents, it also poses significant challenges in terms of environmental protection and economic sustainability. There can be little doubt that the Euro-Africa Gibraltar Straight Fixed Link has the potential to become a transformative infrastructure project with far-reaching benefits for both regions.

Finished in time for the 2030 FIFA World Cup

This is a massive engineering task and it’s very doubtful it could actually be completed and in operation by 2030. Lisbon’s second airport is promised to be completed by 2030. We hear the usual caveats (excuses), it depends on planning permission going through without delays (don’t hold your breath). Architects getting the plans finished on time, and constructors not experiencing any delays. An airport is a much smaller project than a 14-kilometre tunnel under the sea.


The EU wants us off the planes and on the trains, and this would be a massive step towards this, for passengers and freight so they will almost undoubtably fund the project. Let’s see if this does go ahead, it’s a brilliant vision, but is it economically viable?

Author

Resident in Portugal for 50 years, publishing and writing about Portugal since 1977. Privileged to have seen, firsthand, Portugal progress from a dictatorship (1974) into a stable democracy. 

Paul Luckman