Plans resurface for $19.8 trillion transatlantic tunnel between UK and US

Earlier this year, reports emerged about a proposed underwater tunnel that could link Spain to Morocco by the end of the decade. According to the Mirror, the Moroccan National Company for Strait Studies (SNED) has announced that work is underway to explore the feasibility of the Spain-Morocco tunnel from a financial and logistical perspective. The tunnel is seen as a strategic key for both Spain and Morocco, as well as for Europe and Africa, potentially strengthening the relationship between the two continents.

The proposed underwater tunnel would connect Punta Paloma in southern Spain to Malabata in northern Morocco, spanning 17 miles underwater and reaching depths of up to 475 meters, as reported by Travel And Tour World. The total cost of the project is estimated to be around £6 billion, which includes the construction of a third maintenance tunnel. This project has been discussed for over 40 years, and its potential realization has reignited interest in ambitious underwater infrastructure projects.

Amidst this development, discussions about the possibility of an undersea tunnel connecting London and New York have resurfaced. Newsbomb reports that proposals have been submitted for the creation of a transatlantic tunnel that would connect New York City with London, potentially revolutionizing global travel by reducing travel time to just 54 minutes at speeds of 5,000 mph.

The idea of a transatlantic tunnel is not new; Republic World notes that it has been discussed for decades. The proposed tunnel would extend over 3,400 miles, making it the biggest tunnel in the world by a factor of more than 100, according to Travel And Tour World. The project is estimated to cost $19.8 trillion, highlighting the immense scale of this undertaking.

At such high speeds, travel time from London to New York City could be reduced dramatically. Newsbomb states that "thanks to vacuum technology, trains could travel through the tunnel at speeds exceeding 3,000 miles per hour, reducing travel time to less than one hour." This could make day trips between the two cities feasible, opening up new possibilities for tourism and business.

Various methods have been proposed for constructing the Transatlantic Tunnel. Newsbomb notes that one approach is to construct the tunnel entirely beneath the seabed. Another proposal suggests suspending the tunnel above the ocean, held by cables, which would bypass the challenges of building within the ocean. Additionally, there are suggestions for a floating tunnel assembled from prefabricated segments secured by cables.

Technological advancements play a central role in these proposals. Liverpool Echo reports that high-speed trains powered by Vactrains could theoretically travel at speeds up to 8,000 kilometers per hour (approximately 5,000 mph). Republic World adds that by eliminating air resistance, these high-speed trains, often referred to as "hyperloops," could drastically cut travel times.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the concept, Travel And Tour World highlights a significant gap between the theoretical and practical aspects of the Transatlantic Tunnel. The project faces numerous challenges, including the need for advanced engineering feats to withstand immense underwater pressures while allowing smooth transportation of trains. Each design comes with its own set of engineering challenges, such as maintaining safety and structural integrity in the ocean's unpredictable environment.

There are also considerable financial and logistical hurdles. CNN points out that there would likely be public and political scrutiny over the ecological impacts of such an infrastructure project. Furthermore, despite the enormous costs and challenges, no serious proposals are currently under consideration by governments on either side of the Atlantic.

Cost concerns extend to potential travelers as well. Newsbomb mentions that Reddit users have pointed out the likelihood of astronomical ticket prices if the tunnel were ever created, raising questions about its accessibility and practicality for everyday use.

Supporters believe that such a tunnel could revolutionize global travel, bringing continents closer together in ways once thought impossible. Mirror reports that the potential benefits for travel and the environment make it a fascinating project worth watching, despite the enormous challenges involved.

In the meantime, the fastest way to travel between New York City and London remains by air, with flights lasting approximately eight hours. Liverpool Echo notes that until the tunnel becomes a reality, air travel will remain the primary option for transatlantic journeys.

According to a report by CNN, in a world where reusable rockets are commonplace and artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly intelligent, the idea of traveling between the United States and the United Kingdom in less than one hour doesn't seem entirely outlandish. However, this idea is considered unrealistic given the enormous costs involved.

The Transatlantic Tunnel may be an ambitious concept facing numerous challenges, but it sparks conversations about the future of international travel. Travel And Tour World emphasizes that advancements in technology and design could one day make such projects a reality, potentially leading to significant reductions in travel times and opening up new possibilities for global connectivity.

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq