Tunnel vision 2020

In 2000, the Øresund Link opened for traffic. The major crossing between Denmark and Sweden has turned the Malmö-Copenhagen area into a powerful region. The bridge is, of course, a landmark, but the really interesting piece of engineering is what you don’t see: The tunnel which was the longest immersed tunnel in the world at the time of its inauguration.

An excellent example of Ramboll’s expertise in tunnels, but it was the impressive Øresund Link project, which clearly marked Ramboll as an international specialist.

The entire Øresund Link immersed tunnel consists of only 20 prefabricated concrete elements. And these are the world’s biggest elements for an immersed tunnel, measuring 176 x 38,8 x 8,6 meters and have a weight of 55,000 tonnes. It is an astonishing piece of engineering.

The Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link is one of Europe's largest infrastructure projects, with a construction budget of over €7 billion and will be the world’s largest combined rail and road tunnel (18km) and also the world’s largest Immersed Tunnel project. Ramboll have been advising Fehmarn A/S on the design of the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link since the conception of the project when our “Coast to Coast” Feasibility study informed the decision to switch from a bridge to a tunnel. It challenges existing tunnel building standards, and features a pioneering longitudinal ventilation system and state-of-the-art safety and security features. During detailed design the special elements we have developed have optimised both construction and operation.

Today, Ramboll is well-known for our expertise in tunnels. Most recently our colleague, Lasse Vester has been in Australia. Down there Lasse worked on the Western Harbour Tunnel & Beaches Link. For Lasse this assignment resulted in winning the title as Young Professional Award 2020. The organisation behind the award is FRI, the Danish Association of Consulting Engineers.

In the nomination application, the client wrote:

“Lasse Vester is a very skilled engineer with highly developed technical skills and a great understanding of our needs as a client. During his works for us on the Western Harbour Tunnel project we were very impressed with his management style and approachability, even when under pressure. He quickly established himself as a critical member of the technical team, coordinating and managing interfaces between the multiple disciplines involved. His high level of engagement inspired colleagues”

Ismet Huseyin Technical Lead at Western Harbour Tunnel & Beaches Link