Descending 40 meters below the Baltic Sea, the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, set to be the world’s longest immersed tunnel, will connect Denmark and Germany, significantly reducing travel times between the two nations upon its completion in 2029. The tunnel's first element was inaugurated by King Frederik X of Denmark on June 17, marking a milestone four years after construction began in 2020, following over a decade of planning.
The Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, spanning 18 kilometers (11.1 miles), is one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects, with a budget exceeding 7 billion euros. The tunnel will feature two double-lane motorways and two electrified rail tracks, facilitating a train journey from Copenhagen to Hamburg in 2.5 hours, significantly faster than the current 4.5 hours. By car, the journey will be about an hour shorter than the current ferry route.
The tunnel's construction involves creating 89 massive concrete sections, each 217 meters long, 42 meters wide, and 9 meters tall, weighing 73,000 metric tons. These sections will be assembled at a purpose-built factory in Rødbyhavn, Denmark, before being submerged just beneath the seabed. The immersive construction method contrasts with the Channel Tunnel, which was created using a boring machine.
The project, initiated by a 2008 treaty between Denmark and Germany, faced delays due to environmental and noise concerns, but these were resolved by a German federal court in 2020. The tunnel is expected to bolster economic growth by creating a strategic corridor between Scandinavia and Central Europe, facilitating the shift of freight from road to rail, and promoting climate-friendly transportation. Additionally, new natural areas and stone reefs will be established as part of the project, enhancing local biodiversity.
Up to 2,500 people will be directly involved in the construction. The tunnel's efficient travel times are anticipated to make trains a viable alternative to air travel, further benefiting the climate. The project's completion is expected to support economic growth and job creation beyond Denmark, offering significant advantages to businesses and promoting sustainable transport solutions.
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