By rosebell
The Stad ship tunnel, that was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is planed to proceed the construction process, as the Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket) has announced.
In order to boosting maritime safety and efficiency, this project is cutting through the Stad peninsula with 1.7km span, 50m height and 36m width.
Following completion, it will be the world’s first full-scale ship tunnel.
Being under evaluation since the 1990s, this initiative was approved by the Norwegian Parliament in 2021 and intends to provide an alternative route for cargo and passenger vessels, bypassing the hazardous waters around the peninsula.
Also, with the aim of improving navigation in the region, the Norwegian government has prioritised the tunnel despite pandemic-related and planning delays.
The date of tendering the design-build contract for the tunnel was December 2024 and the granted contract is due to follow the NS 8407 standard, which outlines the responsibilities and obligations of clients and contractors in Norwegian design-build projects.
Contractors must adhere to legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements throughout the construction process.
On the condition that bids align with the project’s budget, the planned date for concluding the contract is autumn 2025 and the construction commences in early 2026.
The expected time duration for completing the construction by Norwegian Coastal Administration is just under five years.
Additionally, in September 2024, the Norwegian Coastal Administration partnered with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) to advance the construction of the Stad ship tunnel, which was concentrated on collaboration during the tender phase and the period leading up to the signing of the construction contract.
In order to streamlining the procurement process and ensuring effective project management, the partnership outlines the roles and responsibilities of both agencies.
The agreement may be extended to cover the construction phase of the tunnel, depending on project requirements.
