Denmark: Fehmarnbelt Project Includes Dredging Works

The extensive preparations for the upcoming fixed link across the Fehmarnbelt are in full swing.

The plan is for the tunnel construction itself to be carried out from the summer 2015 until the end of 2021 when the link will open. From the autumn of 2013, the initial preparatory projects will get underway around Rødbyhavn.

Altogether, the project will generate many thousands of new jobs – particularly in Denmark but also in Germany. And for every individual directly employed by the contractors for the tunnel construction, there will be another new employee at the companies that are sub-contractors for the project.

This is revealed in new calculations undertaken by the economics consultancy, Copenhagen Economics, of direct and indirect employment at the Fehmarnbelt tunnel project. In total, the building of the world’s longest immersed tunnel is estimated to generate employment corresponding to a total of 55,000 full-time equivalent positions (FTEs). Of this, 25,000 FTEs will be accounted for by the main contractors at the construction sites and around Fehmarnbelt, while 30,000 FTEs will be indirectly employed by the many sub-contractors.

Those directly employed at the tunnel’s construction sites will, in the main, be involved with earth and concrete works. In addition, there are a number of special tasks relating to dredging for the tunnel trench on the seabed as well as the transportation and immersion of the large tunnel elements.

Experience from both the Oresund and Great Belt fixed links show that local and regional suppliers and local industry – with their know-how and expertise – have much to offer as sub-contractors on a building project such as the Fehmarnbelt link if they are well prepared. This applies, of course, to the professional trades, but also to people employed in the hotel and catering sectors, security and cleaning companies, local transport firms and the like.

Work can include the servicing of marine equipment such as dredging machinery and cranes – typically welding work – maintenance of ships, personnel boats, barges, diving equipment, etc. The construction sites may also require assistance in procuring and installing small buildings e.g. for office facilities or staff rooms. In addition, there are also catering, cleaning, taxi and security services as well as the erection of fencing around the construction sites.

[mappress]

Press Release, July 8, 2013; Image: femern