The first section of the 18-kilometer immersed tunnel linking Denmark and Germany is set to reach the ocean floor this spring, marking a major milestone in one of Europe’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.
According to project owner Sund & Bælt, the first tunnel element for the Femern Belt Fixed Link will be submerged off the coast of Lolland in the coming months. The announcement was made in a press release by the company overseeing the project.
A Vessel Built for the Job
A specialized vessel has received approval from the Danish Maritime Authority, clearing the way for the 217-meter-long tunnel elements to be lowered to depths of up to 40 meters.
The vessel, named IVY, consists of two interconnected crafts capable of gripping and maneuvering each tunnel element into position. It is equipped with 23 kilometers of steel wire distributed across 66 winches — all purpose-built for the demanding task of submerging the massive concrete sections.
“IVY is a unique vessel, developed exclusively for the construction of the Femern Belt tunnel. The vessel’s task is complex, so an extensive series of tests has been necessary to ensure it meets the high technical and safety requirements set by both ourselves and the authorities.”
— Lasse Vester, Deputy Contract Director, Sund & Bælt
The approval process took longer than anticipated, contributing to a construction delay of at least two years. With the green light now granted, work can move forward on one of the world’s most complex engineering endeavors.
Once complete, the Femern Belt tunnel will be the world’s longest immersed road and rail tunnel, connecting Rødbyhavn in Denmark with Puttgarden in Germany — significantly cutting travel time between the two countries.
