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The WORLD'S first ship tunnel: A €308 million megaproject that will transform shipping and save lives

Written by Rafaela Fabris
Published 21/01/2025 às 21:02
The WORLD'S first ship tunnel: A €308 million megaproject that will transform shipping and save lives
The ship tunnel will be the solution because the waters off the Stad peninsula are very dangerous, with strong winds and giant waves. The tunnel will allow ships to pass through safely and without delays.

The world's first ship tunnel, 1,6km long, will be dug into a mountain in Norway, diverting deadly waters and promising to revolutionise maritime trade by 2030.

The Stad Ship Tunnel, located on the Stad peninsula in Norway, promises to be the solution to one of the most dangerous shipping routes in the world. After years of waiting and a staggering budget of €308 million, the ship tunnel is finally back on track. And that’s not all: it is scheduled to begin construction soon, marking a new chapter in the history of maritime engineering and trade.

Why is the ship tunnel necessary?

The Stad peninsula in Norway is known for its extreme weather conditions. Strong winds, treacherous currents and giant waves make this region a real nightmare for sailors. Small boats often have to be lifted out of the water and transported over land to avoid fatal accidents.

These harsh conditions are not just inconvenient; they have caused tragedies over the decades. Many sailors have lost their lives in these waters, and maritime trade is constantly delayed. Imagine commercial ships waiting days in port for a safe “window” to sail – this has a significant impact on the economy.

How will the Stad Ship Tunnel be built?

The tunnel will run through Norway's Stad peninsula, connecting the northern Selje to the southern Moldefjord. This is the narrowest part of the peninsula, ideal for digging the 1,6km tunnel.
The tunnel will run through Norway's Stad peninsula, connecting the northern Selje to the southern Moldefjord. This is the narrowest part of the peninsula, ideal for digging the 1,6km tunnel.

The 1,6km-long tunnel will be dug directly through the peninsula. To make room, around three million cubic metres of rock will be removed, something comparable to carving out an entire mountain!

Access to the tunnel will be controlled by traffic lights, and ships will follow a speed limit of five knots. As in airports, there will be a Vessel Traffic Control system to organize the flow. This combination of technology and planning ensures safety and efficiency.

Expected impacts of the ship tunnel

The main advantage of the tunnel is safety. It promises to end sailors' fears and drastically reduce the risk of accidents. Maritime trade will benefit from the elimination of delays, strengthening the local and global economy.

It’s not just functionality that makes the Stad Tunnel special. It also promises to be a world-renowned tourist attraction. Imagine tourists traveling from far and wide to experience the unique experience of navigating through the world’s first full-size ship tunnel!

When will the ship tunnel be completed?

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025 and is expected to take four to six years to complete. If all goes well, the tunnel will be operational by 2030. However, large projects like this always face challenges, whether due to technical complexity or unpredictable weather conditions.

Comparison with other megaprojects around the world

While Norway is working on the Stad Tunnel, China is building the world's longest road tunnel, the Tianshan Shengli. At 21 km long, he will cross the Tianshan Mountains, reducing journeys from hours to minutes. Both projects represent the infrastructure innovation that is shaping our future.

Source: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/32929998/worlds-first-ship-tunnel-norway/

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WEDISON.
WEDISON.
22/01/2025 23:02

IF IT'S WORTH THE EXPENSE IT WILL BE GOOD.

Rafaela Fabris

He talks about innovation, renewable energy, oil and gas. With over 1.200 articles published in the CPG, he updates daily on opportunities in the Brazilian job market. Suggestions for topics: rafafabris11@gmail.com

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