Fehmarnbelt Tunnel opening delayed until 2031

The Fehmarnbelt Tunnel project, connecting Germany and Denmark, is facing delays. The operator, Femern A/S, is currently developing a new opening schedule, which is expected to be presented later this year.

Due to construction delays regarding the tunnel itself and the necessary rail hinterland connections on the German side, the projected opening date has shifted from 2029 to 2031. To mitigate impact, officials are considering a phased opening: the road tunnel would open first, followed by the rail connection at a later date. This approach aims to allow road traffic to use the tunnel sooner while reducing complexity during the final project phases.

Construction is ongoing, with the first tunnel element lowered into the Baltic Sea in May. A total of 88 elements must be submerged to complete the 18-kilometer-long tunnel. Preparations for the fourth element are currently underway, involving the installation of approximately 4,500 tons of ballast concrete.