The future of infrastructure projects demands sustainability as a top priority at every stage, from concept to completion. One of the most ambitious European projects, the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel, exemplifies this new paradigm. As the longest underwater tunnel in the world, this project will not only connect Denmark and Germany but also bridge the past with a future that must be entirely focused on environmental preservation. When completed in 2029, the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel will stand as both an engineering marvel and a symbol of sustainable infrastructure development.
Time Savings and Emission Reductions
Travel between Denmark and Germany currently relies on multiple transport options. The ferry journey between the two countries takes around 45 minutes, but once the tunnel is operational, the trip will be reduced to just 10 minutes by car and seven minutes by train. Additionally, train passengers traveling between Hamburg and Copenhagen will see their journey time cut from nearly 5.5 hours to just 2.5 hours. By reducing travel time, the project will significantly decrease transport emissions. The inclusion of railway infrastructure within the tunnel is expected to encourage train usage as a more environmentally friendly mode of transport. Furthermore, the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel will feature a fully electrified railway system, contributing to the development of a green transport network. International trains and trucks will no longer need to take a 160-kilometer detour through Denmark, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
The construction phase of the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel is also being designed with sustainability in mind. Sund & Bælt, the company responsible for the tunnel’s construction and operation, is committed to minimizing carbon emissions during the building process. The emissions generated will remain below the limits defined in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report. The use of eco-friendly materials, green technologies, and alternative methods will further reduce the project’s environmental impact.
Restoring Natural Habitats
While the project aims to minimize carbon emissions, it would be unrealistic to expect their complete elimination. To compensate for any remaining emissions, Sund & Bælt plans to implement large-scale reforestation projects.
Additionally, natural areas affected by the tunnel’s construction will be restored and expanded to create new ecosystems, such as wetlands, coastal meadows, peatlands, and dry grasslands. Any impacted natural areas on Lolland will be replaced with new ones, at least twice the size of the affected regions. For example, the old Strandholm Lake, which was affected by the project, will be replaced by a new eight-hectare wetland, surrounded by an additional 60 hectares of newly designated natural areas.
Rocky reefs will also be reconstructed. A 42-hectare area of seabed south of Fehmarn Island will be restored as a vibrant reef ecosystem, rich in plant and animal life. Additionally, protective rock structures will be placed at both ends of the submerged tunnel. Over time, these rocks will function as natural reefs, providing habitat for a wide range of marine species.
This approach demonstrates how the construction of the world’s longest underwater tunnel can be both socially beneficial and environmentally sustainable, setting new standards for future infrastructure projects.
Katarina Vuinac
