Norway will build the world's first tunnel for seagoing vessels
Norway is preparing to launch an ambitious infrastructure project—the construction of the world’s first undersea tunnel designed specifically for large vessels. The unique structure has been named the Stad Ship Tunnel and is expected to significantly improve navigation safety along the country’s western coast.
The tunnel is planned to be built on the Stad Peninsula, which is considered one of the most dangerous areas for navigation in Norway.
This area regularly experiences strong winds, high waves, and sudden changes in weather conditions, creating serious difficulties for ships.
Once construction is complete, ships will be able to pass directly through the mountain, avoiding the dangerous section of the route around the Stad Cape.
According to the project, the tunnel will be approximately 1.7–1.8 kilometers long and 37 meters wide. Its dimensions will allow ships up to 140 meters in length and with a displacement of up to 16,000 tons to pass through.
The estimated cost of the project is 8.6 billion Norwegian kroner, equivalent to approximately $900 million. Back in 2017, the Norwegian Parliament gave its approval in principle for the construction of this unique structure.
According to current plans, construction work could begin in early 2027. The Norwegian Coast Guard notes that a tunnel of this scale, designed exclusively for seagoing vessels, does not currently exist anywhere else in the world.
The Stad Ship Tunnel is expected to be not only a remarkable engineering achievement but also an important step toward improving maritime safety. Thanks to the new route, ships will no longer have to regularly navigate the challenging weather conditions for which the Stad Peninsula is known.
This is reported by Vezess.
Earlier, construction began in Dubai on a 93-kilometer-long tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists equipped with an air-conditioning system. The Loop project will run through the entire city and aims to transform Dubai into the pedestrian capital of the world.
