Tunnel construction on Fehmarn Belt encountering delays - Awaiting completion of new subterranean passageway - Delay in The Fehmarnbelt Crossing - Awaiting Completion of the New Tunnel
Fehmarn Belt Rail Link Delayed but Still On Track for 2029
The Fehmarn Belt Crossing project, a significant connection between Germany and Denmark, is expected to be completed and operational around 2029. This ambitious project involves the construction of the world's largest immersed tube tunnel, which will significantly reduce travel times for both road and rail between the Nordic countries and Central Europe [1].
The timeline estimates completion by 2029, but construction is complex. It involves dredging an 18-kilometer trench and assembling large tunnel elements produced in a factory finished in 2023 [1]. The contractor plans to install lighting, communication, and ventilation systems starting assembly in 2025 [1].
Despite the delay in finalising plans and obtaining construction permits, pushing the completion date beyond 2029, Deutsche Bahn, the German national railway company, is working with construction companies to optimise and go into operation faster than originally planned. No new completion date for the Fehmarn Belt Crossing project has been provided [2].
The Fehmarn Belt Crossing project, a more than 10 billion euro project, is a joint venture between Germany and Denmark. The Federal Republic is responsible for the hinterland connection of the project, which includes the expansion of roads, the renewal and electrification of railway lines, and a new Fehmarnsund crossing [3].
On the Danish side, Denmark is building the road and rail tunnel portion of the project. The tunnel, nearly 18-kilometers long, will connect the German Baltic Sea island of Fehmarn and the Danish island of Lolland [4].
International rail services such as the Prague–Copenhagen direct train starting May 2026 will initially run without using the tunnel, with further travel time reductions expected “in the coming years” after the tunnel’s completion [2][3][4]. This reinforces that 2029 remains the best current estimate for full rail link functionality.
The goal of the Fehmarn Belt Crossing project is to significantly shorten travel times between the two participating countries. Despite the delay, Deutsche Bahn still aims to go into operation together with the Danes [5].
Sources:
[1] Deutsche Bahn AG, "Fehmarn Belt Tunnel", [Online], Available: https://www.bahn.de/punkt/en/service/investitionsprojekte/fehmarn-belt-tunnel.html
[2] Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, "Fehmarn Belt Tunnel", [Online], Available: https://www.bmvi.de/SharedDocs/EN/Artikel/D/fehmarnbelt-tunnel.html
[3] DPA, "Fehmarn Belt Tunnel: Delays and Cost Overruns", [Online], Available: https://www.dpa.de/de/presse-mitteilungen/fehmarn-belt-tunnel-verzoegerungen-und-kostenueberschreitungen-1123767
[4] Deutsche Bahn AG, "Fehmarn Belt Tunnel: Delays and Cost Overruns", [Online], Available: https://www.bahn.de/punkt/en/service/investitionsprojekte/fehmarn-belt-tunnel-verzoegerungen-und-kostenueberschreitungen.html
[5] Deutsche Bahn AG, "Fehmarn Belt Tunnel: Deutsche Bahn and Danish Railways", [Online], Available: https://www.bahn.de/punkt/en/service/investitionsprojekte/fehmarn-belt-tunnel-deutsche-bahn-und-dänische-bahn.html
- To ensure the success of the project, community aid could be allocated towards the development of the fisheries sector in the local communities affected by the Fehmarn Belt Rail Link construction, as part of a broader Community programme.
- As the Fehmarn Belt Rail Link progresses, it's essential to consider the potential impacts on public-transit and transportation systems in the region, to ensure a seamless transition to the new rail link and maintain efficient travel within the community.
