Home / Business and Economy / Denmark & Germany Unite: 18km Underwater Tunnel Set for 2029
Denmark & Germany Unite: 18km Underwater Tunnel Set for 2029
15 Jan
Summary
- An 18km immersed tunnel will link Denmark's Lolland island to Germany's Fehmarn island.
- Scheduled for completion by 2029, it aims to be world's longest underwater structure.
- The project costs approximately 7.37 billion euros, with EU support of 1.3 billion euros.
The Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, an 18-kilometer immersed tunnel, is poised to become the world's longest underwater passage upon its anticipated completion by 2029. This monumental engineering feat will directly link Denmark's Lolland island to Germany's Fehmarn island, promising to drastically reduce travel durations between Scandinavia and mainland Europe.
The project, spearheaded by Femern, represents a significant infrastructure investment of approximately 7.37 billion euros, bolstered by a 1.3 billion euro contribution from the European Union. This construction method, utilizing immersed tunnel technology, is described as a safe and proven technique, drawing parallels to Denmark's experience with the Øresund Tunnel.
Ensuring uninterrupted maritime traffic and prioritizing safety during construction are key aspects of the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel. Once operational, it will feature continuous emergency lanes for security comparable to above-ground highways. The construction involves assembling 89 massive elements, each weighing up to 73,500 tons, with remarkable precision, akin to connecting giant Lego blocks.
