Innovative Tunnel Connects Denmark and Germany

In the Danish town of Rødbyhavn, the construction of a new tunnel is poised to enhance connectivity between Denmark and Germany, with wind turbines visible on the horizon. This tunnel represents the final phase of a significant infrastructure initiative that includes the Øresund Bridge and the Great Belt Bridge, linking the Nordics to the rest of Europe. Once completed, the tunnel will facilitate the transport of goods, such as steel, by rail from northern Norway to central and southern Europe, marking a crucial step in European integration. Mikkel Hemmingsen, CEO of the state-owned company Sund & Bælt, emphasized the tunnel's role in connecting northern and southern Europe, a vision that began with the Øresund Bridge. The tunnel will consist of 90 components, each measuring 217 meters and weighing 73,500 tonnes, constructed in a specially built factory. These sections will be floated and submerged before being assembled on the seabed, which reaches depths of approximately 30 meters. Hemmingsen noted that the construction process resembles building electronic components, allowing for replacements if any element fails. Although the €7 billion project commenced in 2021, it has been in planning for many years. Funded by a state-backed loan and over €1 billion from the European Commission, the project is expected to revitalize the local economy. Local authorities view it as a golden opportunity, anticipating reduced travel times to Germany and an influx of tourists from Europe, transforming the region from a remote corner into a central hub for European travel.