Shortlist announced for last major Fehmarnbelt tunnel contract

Impression of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel entrance at Rødbyhavn. Image: Femern A/S

The winning bidder will construct a 25km railway section and catenary (overhead electrical) system, with a focus on climate-friendly solutions.

The total tender price for the project is expected to be approximately €200 million.

The four shortlisted consortia are:

• PORR (Austria and Germany)
• TSO – Swietelsky (France and Austria)
• Aarsleff Rail – Rhomberg (Denmark and Austria)
• ACSA - Cobra (Spain)

All of the shortlisted consortia meet the prequalification requirements, including having documented experience in rail safety and compliance with CSR (corporate social responsibility)-related standards.

Kirsten Christensen, contract director at Femern responsible for the railway installations, said the company’s objective was to deliver a climate-neutral railway and contribute to the green transition of the transport sector.

Visualisation of the completed train tunnel. Photo: Femern A/S

She said, “Following intense competition, we have now selected the four consortia with the strongest hand to bid for the contract and deliver a railway which both during construction and in operation is focused on climate-friendly solutions.”

The TTC (tunnel, track and catenary) contract includes the construction of a two-track railway and catenary system designed for trains travelling at speeds of up to 200 kmh.

Approximately 19km of the railway will be connected to the tunnel, with a further 6km running beyond the tunnel on the Danish and German sides.

During the final tender process, Femern says it will prioritise price, execution methods and organisational plans that minimise risk, as well as solutions that address the challenging space conditions within the tunnel.

‘Green shortcut’

The selected contractor will also be required to carry out the work in a climate-friendly manner, with a specific target for reducing CO2 emissions during the construction period.

The newly-constructed harbour at Lolland, from where the concrete tunnel segments will be floated out before being lowered into position on the seabed. Photo: Femern A/S

Christensen said, “With the four participants, we now have a solid basis on which to continue the competition for the contract, and we look forward to engaging in a close and thorough dialogue.

“We expect to be presented with technical solutions that are in the absolute top league as far as the railway sector is concerned.”

Final bids are expected by mid-2024, with the contract set to be awarded no later than the beginning of 2025.

Construction of the tunnel and electrified railway is expected to be completed by 2029, providing a ‘green’ route for freight and passenger transportation to Europe, with travel time across the Fehmarnbelt reduced to just seven minutes which eliminates the need for a 160 km detour.

Construction work in Rødbyhavn and Puttgarden is already well underway, with a workforce of 2,000 individuals currently employed in the construction of the tunnel factory and the production of tunnel elements.