National transport plan 2018-2029

Stad Ship Tunnel – the first of its kind

Historical archive

Published under: Solberg's Government

Publisher: Ministry of Transport and Communications

Press release | No: 76/17 | Date: 05/04/2017 | Last updated: 06/04/2017

- Stad Ship Tunnel is an important project on the western coast of Norway, which will provide greater predictability and safety for transport by sea. It will create opportunities for establishing new ferry and shipping routes, and transfer of freight from land to sea transport, says Minister of Transport Ketil Solvik-Olsen.

The Norwegian government submitted a white paper on transportation (National Transport Plan 2018-2029) on 5 April 2017. One of its propositions is planning of the Stad Ship Tunnel. It will be the first ship tunnel of this size in the world, and makes one of the most challenging and hazardous shipping lanes in Norwegian waters safer for sea transport.

A combination of sea currents and subsea topography create particularly complex and unpredictable navigational conditions in the area. Very high waves coming from different directions at the same time can create critical situations, and challenging conditions mean reduced speed and predictability for shipping through the very exposed Stadhavet Sea.

Studies for selection of the route and cross section were finalized in 2010 and the subsequent external quality assurance process in 2012. The Stad Ship Tunnel will be 1.7 kilometres in length, 50 metres high and 36 metres wide. Ships the size of the Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten) will be able to navigate through the tunnel. Estimated building time is 3 - 4 years, with a projected cost of approximately 293 million Euro.

About 163 million Euro have been earmarked for the project in the first half of the planning period for The National Transport Plan 2018 - 2029.