The US will splash up to $100m (€85.5m) on major upgrades at the Rota Naval Base in Cadiz, it has emerged.
Donald Trump’s government announced this week that it will construct two enormous fuel tanks that will boost supply for American military operations across Europe and Africa.
According to the Department of Defence, recently renamed the Department of War, the tanks will each have a capacity of 50,000 barrels (nearly eight million litres in total) and represent an investment of between $25 million and $100 million.
Washington says the project, dubbed Bulk Tank Farm Improvements, will modernise key infrastructure supporting US and NATO operations in the Mediterranean.
Modernising a strategic hub
The project goes beyond simply building tanks. The base’s entire fuel distribution system will be upgraded, including a new pipeline linking Pier 3 to the fuel farm across the Rio Salado service bridge.
Works will also involve drilling beneath the Arroyo del Salado to accommodate an 18-inch pipeline, alongside improvements to the site’s electrical and communications networks.
The upgrades are designed to ensure the safe flow of JP-5 aviation fuel, a kerosene-based product used by aircraft carriers and jet-powered planes that regularly pass through Rota on their way to operations in the Mediterranean.
The tendering process will be open to international companies, with a fixed-price contract awarded no later than September 2026. Once signed, the works must be completed within 909 days (just under three years).
Strict requirements
The Pentagon has outlined strict conditions for bidders, including proof of experience on projects of this scale, robust safety measures and strong technical solutions.
Any firm wishing to compete must register both with the US Government’s contracting management system and with Spain’s Official Register of Bidders, as required for works worth more than €500,000.
Rota’s growing importance
The investment highlights Rota’s status as one of the most strategic US military sites in Europe. The base plays a central role in NATO’s missile defence shield and serves as a vital hub for America’s Sixth Fleet.
While Spain has suspended arms sales to Israel over the war in Gaza, the bilateral defence agreement allows the US to use Rota freely, including refuelling ships and aircraft without disclosing mission details.
This has led to criticism, with activists alleging that US vessels have transported weapons destined for the Israeli military.
In recent years, activity at Rota has surged, partly due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and partly due to escalating Middle East conflicts.
The construction of the new fuel tanks underlines Washington’s intent to keep Rota at the heart of its military logistics network for years to come.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
