Fehmarn Belt opening set for 2026

The delay of the massive project will increase Denmark’s costs

The Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link – an immersed tunnel that will connect southern Zealand to Germany – will not open until 2026, reports Ingeniøren.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the construction of a new German railway to Puttgarden, which will connect to the tunnel, has been delayed and is now expected to be finished in 2024.

Counting in other possible delays, the ministry predicts the fixed link will not open for another 11 years.

‘It certainly cannot be in 2024, which may increase the already agreed costs,’ said the ministry in a letter addressed to Femern A/S.

More costly than predicted
In June, the EU Commission confirmed that Denmark will get 4.4 billion kroner in support for the massive project.

However, that was before the announced delay, which may lead to Denmark losing some of the pledged EU funds.

According to the Finance Ministry, the project is lacking 3-5 billion kroner in additional expenses and also needs a sensitivity scenario for transport costs.