Norway has greenlit the construction of the world’s inaugural ocean ship tunnel, expected to cost a staggering £671 million. This ambitious project, known as the Stad Ship Tunnel, will connect Moldefjord to Kjødepollen on the Stadlandet Peninsula, spanning a mere 1.7km (1.06 miles) distance.
The initiative, led by the Norwegian Coastal Administration, aims to provide a safe passage for vessels by bypassing the perilous Stadhavet Sea. This area, dubbed one of the most hazardous maritime zones globally, faces severe weather conditions for about 100 days annually, posing risks to maritime traffic including passenger ferries, fishing fleets, and cargo ships.
To address these challenges, the tunnel, including entrance structures extending into the water, will offer a secure route for various vessels, from fishing boats to cruise liners. Despite previous budget setbacks, the project has been revived following governmental approval of a revised financial plan.
Scheduled to start groundwork in 2027, with an estimated completion by 2032, the tunnel will stand 50 meters high and 36 meters wide, accommodating ships up to 16,000 gross tonnes. It is projected to take around 10 minutes to traverse at a speed limit of five to eight knots.
Unlike the Rogfast road tunnel, the Stad Ship Tunnel will be toll-free, aiming to bolster Norway’s shipping industry. Officials anticipate positive impacts on the region’s economy, as emphasized by Tore O. Sandvik, the county mayor in Trøndelag, highlighting the necessity for efficient transport of goods to maintain product quality during adverse weather conditions.
