World’s First Ship Tunnel Gets Green Light in Norway

The Stad Tunnel: A Maritime Breakthrough for Ocean-Going Vessels

According to НВ — Техно: Norway’s coastal authority, Kystverket, has confirmed it is ready to finalize a contract for the construction of the world’s first tunnel designed specifically for ocean ships, known as the Stad Tunnel. Work is scheduled to begin in early 2027. This project is a major step forward for maritime safety, as the waters of the Stadhavet Sea are among the most treacherous along Norway’s coastline.

The concept of such a tunnel was first floated in 1874 by the newspaper Nordre Bergenhus Amtstidende. Located on the Stadlandet peninsula, the tunnel will cut through rock for 1.7 kilometers, with a total length of 2.2 kilometers including entrance sections. Its height will reach 50 meters and width 36 meters. According to preliminary plans, the tunnel will link Moldefjord and Kjødepollen in the Vanylvsfjord area, allowing large cargo ships, ferries, and cruise liners to bypass the hazardous waters of the Stadhavet Sea.

Technical Specs and Impact on Shipping

Kystverket estimates that about 81% of current vessel traffic will be able to use the tunnel. Transit time will be roughly 10 minutes, and excavation will remove around 3 million cubic meters of rock-equivalent to 750,000 truckloads of material. Construction will involve drilling and blasting through solid gneiss rock.

The shortlist of consortiums vying for the main construction contract includes:

• Norway’s AF Gruppen
• France’s Eiffage Génie Civil
• A joint venture between Sweden’s Skanska and Norway’s Vassbakk & Stol

The evaluation is complete, and after the winning bid is announced, a mandatory waiting period for complaints will follow before the contract can be signed as planned, according to Harald Inge Johnsen.

Additional tenders are also planned for demolition of buildings and new water infrastructure. Speed limits for cruise liners inside the tunnel will be set at 8 knots. Ultimately, this project represents a critical advancement in regional maritime safety.

With roots stretching back to the 19th century, the Stad Tunnel project aims to dramatically improve safety in one of Norway’s most dangerous coastal zones.

By enabling most vessels to avoid perilous waters, the new infrastructure could boost trade and tourism in the area. The project’s progress also highlights strong international interest in investing in Norway’s marine infrastructure.