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New €6,2 billion underwater tunnel: 17km connects Denmark and Germany in just 7 minutes

Written by Rafaela Fabris
Published 17/12/2024 às 02:14
New €6,2 billion underwater tunnel: 17km connects Denmark and Germany in just 7 minutes
The Fehmarnbelt tunnel will be built at a depth of up to 40 meters below sea level using prefabricated concrete elements that will be submerged and connected on the seabed. Each section of the tunnel weighs around 73 tons, equivalent to the weight of more than 13 African elephants.

At 17 km long and scheduled for completion in 2029, the new underwater tunnel will reduce travel time from 45 minutes to just 7, revolutionizing transport between Denmark and Germany.

Imagine travelling between two countries in just seven minutes by train or ten minutes by car. That’s no longer a distant dream! The new Fehmarnbelt underwater tunnel, which connects southern Denmark to northern Germany, promises to revolutionise European transport. Valued at €6,2 billion, this epic engineering project will change the way tourists and workers travel across the region.

The transport revolution between Denmark and Germany

Currently, the journey between Lolland in Denmark and Fehmarn in Germany requires a long ferry crossing that takes about 45 minutes. With the new underwater tunnel, the time will be reduced to just 10 minutes by car and seven minutes by train. That's enough time for a quick coffee!

In addition to making travel easier, the tunnel will be a tourist attraction for both nations. Residents and visitors will be able to explore new destinations with ease, stimulating the local economy and making everyday life easier. Imagine a Dane going to Germany for a casual lunch or a German visiting Copenhagen without spending the whole day on the road.

Stunning details of the new underwater tunnel

The Fehmarnbelt underwater tunnel will require the use of specialized vessels to precisely position the 89 concrete blocks on the seabed. When completed, it will allow 60 vehicles to pass through it per day, as well as high-speed trains, making it a crucial corridor for European transport.
The Fehmarnbelt underwater tunnel will require the use of specialized vessels to precisely position the 89 concrete blocks on the seabed. When completed, it will allow 60 vehicles to pass through it per day, as well as high-speed trains, making it a crucial corridor for European transport.

At 17 kilometers long, the Fehmarnbelt will be the longest underwater tunnel in the world. It is designed to accommodate both a modern highway and high-speed rail lines, facilitating mobility for cars, trucks and trains.

The construction follows strict environmental standards, seeking to have a minimal impact on marine ecosystems. Specialized vessels monitor each stage of the work, ensuring that adverse effects are offset by the creation of new natural areas. This is a true combination of cutting-edge technology and commitment to the environment.

Environmental benefits and sustainability of the new tunnel

The Fehmarnbelt tunnel will consist of 89 modular concrete elements, each measuring 217 meters long, 42 meters wide and 9 meters high, designed to accommodate road and rail tracks on two separate levels. The underwater excavation will remove around 19 million cubic meters of sediment, the equivalent of 7.600 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The Fehmarnbelt tunnel will consist of 89 modular concrete elements, each measuring 217 meters long, 42 meters wide and 9 meters high, designed to accommodate road and rail tracks on two separate levels. The underwater excavation will remove around 19 million cubic meters of sediment, the equivalent of 7.600 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

In addition to connecting two countries, the new underwater tunnel will have a direct impact on the fight against climate change. By offering a shorter route for rail and road transport, the tunnel saves 160 kilometers of travel time, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Rail transport is expected to become the preferred choice due to its efficiency and sustainability. Electric trains, which are significantly less polluting, will help reduce the number of trucks on the roads, benefiting both the environment and mobility.

As Michael Løvendal Kruse from the Danish Society for Nature Conservation pointed out, the project represents a major step forward in climate terms: “It will strengthen environmentally friendly freight and passenger transport.”

The economic and social impact

The Fehmarnbelt is more than just a connection between two points on the map. It will be a corridor for economic development in Scandinavia and Central Europe. Companies will be able to transport goods more quickly, facilitating international trade and stimulating the local economy.

The project will be financed by Denmark, with the costs being covered by future tolls. Over time, the tunnel will pay for itself and benefit millions of people.

It seamlessly integrates Europe by connecting Copenhagen, Denmark, to Germany’s road and rail networks. This interconnection will make transportation more accessible and efficient.

Expectations for the future

Due for completion in 2029, the Fehmarnbelt will be a game-changer for European transport. As the tunnel takes shape, it reinforces the importance of sustainable and innovative infrastructure solutions. The coming years will be crucial to ensuring that each stage is completed with quality and safety.

When completed, the tunnel will become a global benchmark in connectivity, efficiency and sustainability.

A milestone for Europe

The new Fehmarnbelt underwater tunnel is not just a feat of engineering; it is a revolution in European transport. Cutting travel times from 45 minutes to just 7, it promises to transform the daily lives of millions of people and boost the economy and tourism between Denmark and Germany.

The project shows how is it possible to combine technology and sustainability, ensuring a greener future for everyone. If you’re planning to travel to the region soon, get ready for a much faster and more efficient experience.

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Rafaela Fabris

It discusses innovation, renewable energy, oil and gas. With over 1.200 articles published in CPG, it provides daily updates on opportunities in the Brazilian job market.

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