European Construction Companies Show Interests in Danish-German Tunnel

Companies from Denmark, Germany and across Europe showed strong interest in the two new contracts for the Fehmarnbelt tunnel at the Industry Day hosted by Femern A/S.

European Construction Companies Show Interests in Danish-German Tunnel

More than 400 participants representing more than 200 companies met together in Copenhagen on 21 January 2014 to learn more about the two upcoming tender packages from Femern A/S.

Nine international consortia are already participating in the tender for the construction of the tunnel itself. The two new contracts cover the “inner workings” of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel, i.e. its electrical and mechanical installations (lighting, drainage, ventilation, monitoring and control systems) as well as the power supply facilities for the tunnel’s operation, including the establishment of a new substation.

Business representatives from Denmark, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Portugal, and the Czech Republic demonstrated their strong interest in the presentations given by the management and the technical department of the Danish planning company.

The Industry Day also offered extensive networking opportunities among the participants. In particular, the objective was to enable small and medium-sized enterprises to become acquainted with potential business partners with a view to forming joint ventures and approaching the larger companies interested in becoming contractors.

The tender process will continue in February with the launch of the prequalification procedure. Interested consortia will have until May to apply for prequalification. Over the summer, Femern A/S will select the prequalified consortia and then initiate the bidding rounds for the two contracts.

Steen Lykke, Technical Director of Femern A/S, expects widespread interest during the upcoming tender: “Given today’s participation of so many highly experienced companies, we anticipate strong competition between the consortia applying for these contracts. The requirements are very tough, but after all, it is a great opportunity to take part in the construction of the longest rail and road tunnel under the sea.”

According to the overall timetable, the Danish Parliament is set to vote on the Construction Act for the Fehmarnbelt tunnel between late 2014 and early 2015. In Germany, the Plan Approval decision is expected in summer 2015. Construction works will begin once the project has been approved in both countries. The construction of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel will be completed at the end of 2021.

Press Release, January 21, 2014; Image: Femern