“Based on the allocation letter, we will now start the processes of acquisitioning properties in the area where the ship tunnel will be located, as well as put in place a project organization, prepare a tender basis and initiate a tender,” commented Terje Andreassen, the temporary project manager for the Stad Ship Tunnel at the Norwegian Coastal Administration.

The approval was contained in a letter from the Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications to the Norwegian Coastal Administration, which outlined the tasks to be undertaken.

The property acquisition should be completed by 2021, if possible, according to the allocation letter.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications is currently preparing a proposal for the project, which will be submitted to the Norwegian Parliament in the spring.

As previously stated, the state budget for 2021 has set aside NOK 75 million ($ 8.8 million) in start-up funds. The project is expected to cost NOK 2.8 billion (excluding VAT) and take three to four years to complete.

The project will be the world's first ship tunnel of this scale. As previously stated, the tunnel's construction would make one of Norway's most difficult and dangerous shipping lanes safer for sea transport.

The area's navigational conditions are particularly complex and volatile due to a combination of sea currents and subsea topography.

Maritime Business World