Second green light for major European tunnel


Works on the longest immersed tunnel project, the Fehmarnbelt link, is scheduled to begin again after facing several delayed due to Covid-19.

Construction work on the Danish side of the €8.7 billion project was originally slated for May 2020 but now will start on 1 January 2021.

Works on the German side have been delayed until mid-2022 with the tunnel expected to be operational by mid-2029.

The mega-project was awarded to a consortium of:

  • Vinci
  • Royal BAM
  • Per Aarsleff
  • Solétanche-Bachy International
  • CFE
  • Dredging International
  • Max Bögl Stiftung & Co

The project is divided into 3 contracts – 2 for the construction of the immersed tunnel, and the other to deliver the portal structures, toll buildings, bridges and ramps.

The JV has appointed Denmark's COWI as consultant on all 3 contracts.

The European Commission (EC) earlier this year (March 2020) gave the funding go ahead for the tunnel, welcoming progress for the project which was stalled by an EC investigation.

Fehmarnbelt is the strait between the German island of Fehmarn and the Danish island of Lolland. The rail-road link includes a 19km undersea tunnel comprising:

  • electrified, double-track railway
  • 4-lane motorway

Denmark will be the sole owner of the tunnel and will bear full risk for the financing, as well as for the upgrade of the Danish on-land road and rail connections. Meanwhile, Germany is responsible for financing and upgrading its own hinterland connections.

In Denmark, two public authorities have been entrusted with the planning, construction and operation of the project – Femern Landanlæg for the Danish connections and Femern for the fixed link.

Once completed, the Fehmarnbelt link will be the longest road and rail tunnel in the world and will shorten the travel time from Denmark to Germany to 10 minutes by car and 7 minutes by train.

The tunnel will replace the well-travelled Rodby-Puttgarden ferry route and is a pivotal step towards connecting central Europe to Scandinavia.

Technical advisers to Femern on the project are:

  • Ramboll
  • Arup
  • TEC

Snapshots

Asset Snapshot

Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link (18KM)


Est. Value:
EUR 8,700.00m (USD 9,425.14m)
Full Details
Transaction Snapshot

Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link (18KM)


Value:
$9,425.14m USD
Full Details