Bernt Hertz Jensen

The track laying can be partially automated by using slab tracks. Rhomberg has developed a system that can be operated by just two men

The track laying can be partially automated by using slab tracks. Rhomberg has developed a system that can be operated by just two men. PR photo: Rhomberg

Trains will run on “slab tracks” through the Fehmarn Tunnel

The railway tracks through the Fehmarn Tunnel will not be installed on sleepers resting on a ballast layer of gravel or stone. Instead, they must be mounted directly on concrete slabs at the bottom of the tunnel tubes. The technique has great potential.

It could end up with a bill of up to 80 billion Euros (596 billion kroner) to upgrade 9,000 kilometers of German railways. But the money is the least challenge for Deutsche Bahn.

It could end up with a bill of up to 80 billion Euros (596 billion kroner) to upgrade 9,000 kilometers of German railways. But the money is the least challenge for Deutsche Bahn. Archive photo: Deutsche Bahn.

Analysis: Many unknowns in Deutsche Bahn’s billion-euro equation

9,000 kilometers of German railway must be upgraded in seven years. It will be expensive, but the money is the least of the problems. Employees, materials and machines, on the other hand, become a challenge. Bureaucracy and law risk derailing the project.

Jan Sørensen, who is managing director of the construction company MSE, estimates that the German railway tenders will be too large for a smaller, Danish contractor. But he would like to join as a subcontractor.

Jan Sørensen, who is managing director of the construction company MSE, estimates that the German railway tenders will be too large for a smaller, Danish contractor. But he would like to join as a subcontractor. Archive photo: Anders Knudsen

German railway tenders are too big for Fehmarn’s “little brother”

A railway project with a total tender sum of over EUR 45 billion is too big a mouthful for a Danish contractor with just under 300 employees. But it is interesting to be a subcontractor, says MSE director Jan Sørensen.

It took between 50 and 52 hours to cast the first of a total of 711 tunnel segments back in July. When everything goes according to plan, a production team of 100-150 people must be able to complete the job in 27 hours. Photo: Femern A/S

It took between 50 and 52 hours to cast the first of a total of 711 tunnel segments back in July. When everything goes according to plan, a production team of 100-150 people must be able to complete the job in 27 hours. Photo: Femern A/S

Two segments down – 709 to go

Casting work at the tunnel factory in Rødbyhavn is in full swing. The first two segments have been cast, and on Monday they start with number three of a total of 711. But all beginnings are difficult, and the first two did not go quickly or without problems.

The Roads Directorate and Sund & Bælt are in full swing with the feasibility studies for a possible fixed connection between Als and Funen.

The Roads Directorate and Sund & Bælt are in full swing with the feasibility studies for a possible fixed connection between Als and Funen. Graphics: Google Maps/Bernt Hertz Jensen

Muddy seabed in the Little Belt teases the Als-Fyn connection

The location of a possible fixed connection between Als and Fyn must be moved in relation to the original plan. Now it must be investigated whether the conditions are better further north and north-west.

Aalborg Portland will make an effort to get rid of the label as a climate villain. However, it will not have a direct impact on the 1.3 million tonnes of cement the company must deliver to the Fehmarn tunnel.

Aalborg Portland will make an effort to get rid of the label as a climate villain. However, it will not have a direct impact on the 1.3 million tonnes of cement the company must deliver to the Fehmarn tunnel. Archive photo: Aalborg Portland

Denmark’s largest CO2 emitter will reduce emissions by 73 percent

Cement production is one of the world’s biggest climate culprits. Now Aalborg Portland will make an effort to get rid of the label as a CO2 villain. However, it will only take effect after the company’s largest delivery to date: 1.3 tonnes of cement for the Fehmarn Tunnel.

European Energy already has advanced plans for hydrogen production (Power to X) in Nakskov. But initially, the business world proposes that the pipeline be routed through Jutland to Germany and thus bypass the Fermern link.

European Energy already has advanced plans for hydrogen production (Power to X) in Nakskov. But initially, the business world proposes that the pipeline be routed through Jutland to Germany and thus bypass the Fermern link. Visualization: European Energy

The business world wants hydrogen pipeline to Germany through Jutland, despite big Power to X plans on Lolland

Hydrogen may become the Danish export adventure of the future. German companies are facing an enormous change. But they are busy and can’t wait for the Fehmarn connection to be finished. At the same time, there is much more wind energy to be found in the North Sea.

The work on the German part of the road and railway facilities that will lead to the Fehmarn Belt Tunnel is already significantly delayed compared to the Danish side. Region Zealand now reports that they do not believe that the Femern Sund tunnel will be completed by 2029

The work on the German part of the road and railway facilities that will lead to the Fehmarn Belt Tunnel is already significantly delayed compared to the Danish side. Region Zealand now reports that they do not believe that the Femern Sund tunnel will be completed by 2029. Photo: Femern A/S

Region Zealand doubts the Femern Sound tunnel is ready in 2029

Region Zealand is now among the doubters in relation to whether Deutsche Bahn will finish building a new Fehmarn Sound tunnel to relieve the 60-year-old bridge between Fehmarn and the German mainland before the Fehmarn connection is inaugurated in 2029.