Large-scale construction projects are far from unfamiliar to the U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, Alan Leventhal, who visited the element factory in Rødbyhavn on Tuesday. Even so, he was impressed after returning from a cold and wet tour of the massive construction site.
– I have been involved in and witnessed many large projects in the U.S. I am from Boston, where we had a project called ‘The Big Dig,’ which was the most expensive interstate highway system project in our history. We had the Ted Williams Tunnel going to the airport, and in Seattle, there was Big Bertha and that tunnel. But this surpasses anything I’ve ever seen before, he explains.
More development
Alan Leventhal also believes that American companies can learn something by turning their attention to Rødbyhavn.
– I’m not an engineer, but I’m sure this project will be studied in the future. The complexity of the project and the way it’s being built, including the systems, are impressive. They repeat the process again and again when producing the segments and lowering them into place. I think we can learn a lot.
At the same time, he believes the project can help open up the region to new American businesses.
– When you connect two strong economies like Denmark and Germany – and also link Scandinavia – many opportunities will arise. More trade, more hotels, more businesses. I’m sure the U.S. will be a part of it. There are already over 700 American companies operating in Denmark, Alan Leventhal explains.
Strengthening the region
And even though development often seems to gravitate toward the capital, the Ambassador does not believe Lolland-Falster will be forgotten in the future. The entire project and the enormous construction site show that there are good opportunities for establishing a presence here in the future. He is confident that the U.S. can help make a difference.
– When I see what’s happening here, I see the impact it can have in terms of creating more jobs, more businesses, and more opportunities. It’s not just for Copenhagen but also for local communities like this, and that’s really important. I believe that with the strong relationship between the U.S. and Denmark, which only continues to grow stronger, it will keep creating opportunities for regions like this.
