The fact that the factory in Rødbyhavn will remain is not news. On December 14, 2023, the Danish Parliament passed a law stating that the factory in Rødbyhavn will be used for future projects. The factory in Rødbyhavn will be preserved and continue under state ownership by Sund & Bælt once the production of tunnel elements for the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel is completed. Therefore, both the work harbor and the factory will remain under Sund & Bælt’s ownership. But who will operate it? And for what purpose?
Legal framework in place
Sund & Bælt initiated market dialogue even before it was decided to retain the factory in Rødbyhavn with an idea development meeting on November 2, 2022. Now, the legal and practical foundation is better established, and the time has come to determine who can and will operate the factory in the future.
Aims to gain deeper understanding
“The market dialogue aims to gain a better understanding of the needs, competencies, and opportunities of the stakeholders so that we can create the right conditions for the future operation and development of the factory,” Sund & Bælt states in an email to *FemernReport*.
A highly complex task
The factory is currently in full swing, producing the tunnel elements for the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel. When this work is completed—scheduled for 2028—there is potential for the facility to be used for other purposes. The state-of-the-art facilities and good access conditions could be utilized to produce for other major projects. To create the best possible conditions for the future operation of the factory, Sund & Bælt is now inviting potential companies and organizations to a market dialogue, says Mikkel Hemmingsen, Managing Director at Sund & Bælt, in a press release:
“Winning a concession for the world’s largest element factory is undoubtedly a large and very complex task. Therefore, it is crucial that we engage in dialogue with potential stakeholders to understand their needs, competencies, and opportunities. This allows us to create the right conditions for the future operation and development of the factory,” says Mikkel Hemmingsen.
To be used for a tender
The market dialogue begins with an introductory meeting and a tour of the factory in Rødbyhavn. Additionally, interested operators will be asked to complete a questionnaire. Insights from the market dialogue will be used to draft a tender for a long-term agreement, expected to come into effect from 2028.
