Fehmarn Belt Tunnel: Construction of world's longest immersed tunnel has hit a milestone. The first elements are being lowered into the sea. The link between Germany and Denmark will save 160 km - and boost rail and road traffic in northern Europe.
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.
01:05These seals are made of highly durable rubber, designed to withstand high water pressure and form a barrier against any intrusions.
01:13But this mega-project has experienced delays.
01:19The reason? Ships built specifically for its construction weren't delivered on time.
01:26Because 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.
01:47Europe needs this tunnel urgently.
01:50It will link Denmark and Germany, saving 160 kilometers of travel for both trains and cars.
01:57It'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.
02:12Drivers 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?
02:28If 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.
02:37There's a safety buffer in place, no problem.
02:44On the German side, the tunnel already extends a short distance into the sea.
02:49A 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.
