German summer stakeholder briefing on Fehmarn: tunnel project visibly taking shape

To begin with, the guests had the opportunity to see the progress being made for themselves during guided bus tours of the German construction site. Afterwards, Mikkel Hemmingsen, CEO of Sund & Bælt, welcomed the participants before Project Director Matthias Laubenstein gave an update on the ongoing and upcoming works in Germany and Denmark.

Just a few days ago, the second tunnel element of the 18-kilometre Fehmarnbelt tunnel was successfully immersed. Work on the tunnel portals on both sides of the Fehmarnbelt is also visibly progressing. While structural works on Lolland have already been completed, this milestone is expected to be reached on Fehmarn later this year.

The guest of honour at the summer stakeholder briefing was the Danish Ambassador to Germany, H.E. Thomas Østrup Møller. In his speech, he emphasised the importance of the Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link for Germany, Denmark and Europe as a whole. At a time of growing uncertainty it was more important than ever to create connections and bring people, regions and countries closer together, rather than putting up borders.

The Beltbox viewing platform right next to the German construction site, which was officially opened at last year’s summer stakeholder briefing, has since become a popular destination on Fehmarn. This year, more than 35,000 people have already visited the Beltbox – including numerous holidaymakers as well as many local residents from Fehmarn. From there, visitors can follow the construction of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel at close range.

The summer stakeholder briefing once again showed just how far the project has progressed. With every immersed tunnel element and every further step forward at the portals, the future connection between Germany and Denmark is becoming increasingly tangible. This is also reflected in the strong interest in dialogue between different stakeholders about the opportunities that this connection opens up for the region and beyond.