The Norwegian government has given the green light for the construction of the world's first full-size ship tunnel, the Stad Ship Tunnel, on the country's west coast. The project, revived after funding issues, carries a £671 million price tag despite spanning just over a mile.
Project Details and Timeline
Subject to final parliamentary budget approval, ground works are set to begin in 2027, with completion projected by 2032. The tunnel will link the Moldefjord and Kjødepollen fjords on the Stadlandet Peninsula, covering 1.7km (1.06 miles), extending to 2.2km (1.4 miles) including entrance structures. It will measure 50 metres high and 36 metres wide, accommodating ships up to 16,000 gross tonnes.
Purpose: Bypassing Treacherous Waters
The Norwegian Coastal Administration aims to provide a safe alternative to the Stadhavet Sea, one of the world's most treacherous stretches of water. It is the most exposed part of Norway's coastline, battered by storms around 100 days each year, causing delays and danger to passenger ferries, fishing fleets, and cargo vessels. The tunnel will be free for traffic, unlike the Rogfast road tunnel.
Revival After Budget Concerns
The scheme was initially approved by the Norwegian parliament in 2021 but abandoned last year due to soaring costs. It has been resurrected after the government approved a revised budget. Bids from contractors are currently being evaluated; major excavation and blasting are anticipated to commence early next year.
Impact on Shipping
The tunnel will take approximately 10 minutes to navigate at a speed limit of 5 to 8 knots (5.75 to 9.21 mph). Tore O. Sandvik, county mayor in Trøndelag, said: "If we are to export salmon from Trøndelag to the continent, we cannot risk the salmon getting stuck at Stad in bad weather. Then it is served as rakfisk [Norwegian Fermented Fish], and not as sushi when it arrives on the continent."
