Europe is building the longest underwater tunnel in the world linking Denmark and Germany. The project will reshape transport across the continent and slash travel times for both cars and trains.
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00:00One section after another is being completed for what will become the longest underwater tunnel in the world.
00:07Twelve tunnel pieces are in place, each up to 200 meters long. Some of them are already in the water.
00:17The major milestone in 2025 will be the lowering of the first tunnel piece.
00:23That's clearly what everyone involved in the project has been working towards.
00:26This is a project of superlatives. Europe's largest construction site was created for the tunnel.
00:34The world's biggest floating dredger is in use. And the largest concrete plant on earth was built here.
00:41Components for the tunnel will be towed out to sea, sealed watertight, then lowered 12 meters into a seabed trench.
00:49Hydraulic cylinders will pull the elements together. And rubber seals between them will prevent water from seeping in.
00:57Being watertight is absolutely crucial for an underwater tunnel.
01:03These seals are made of highly durable rubber, designed to withstand high water pressure and form a barrier against any intrusions.
01:16But this megaproject has experienced delays. The reason? Ships built specifically for its construction weren't delivered on time.
01:24Because of the delayed arrival of these ships, our goal of opening the Fehrmann Belt Tunnel in 2029 is really under pressure.
01:37Once the first tunnel elements have been lowered, we'll work with the construction company to explore ways to accelerate the construction process.
01:45Europe needs this tunnel urgently. It will link Denmark and Germany, saving 160 kilometers of travel for both trains and cars.
01:56It's part of an EU initiative to make rail travel between northern and southern Europe faster and reduce the need for short-haul flights.
02:05It's a major project that connects northern Europe with southern Europe.
02:09Drivers will be charged a 73 euro toll per vehicle to cross the tunnel.
02:17Toll prices for trains are still unknown.
02:21And then one question remains. How safe will the tunnel be?
02:26If water were to enter the middle of the tunnel, there would certainly be a problem.
02:32But the walls are designed to withstand a train or car crash at top speed.
02:36There's a safety buffer in place, no problem.
02:45On the German side, the tunnel already extends a short distance into the sea.
02:50A prefabricated segment will be added to the end.
02:53The total project cost of 7.5 billion euros will be covered entirely by Denmark.
02:58For them, it's the realization of a national dream.
03:01For them, it's the realization of a national dream.