On 29 November 2021, the first sod turned for the Fehmarn connection was on the German side – on the island of Fehmarn. Construction began at Fehmarn 11 months after it had begun at the Danish side in Rødbyhavn.
Since then, it has largely been about getting ready for the major construction work that must also take place on the German side. The project has already significantly transformed the landscape of Fehmarn. The total German construction site is approximately 100 hectares, or around 145 football pitches, and the work extends approximately three kilometres inland.
Started on a bare field
– It has been very fast. A year ago, we started on a field. Now it looks like this. Some soil and some sand have been moved, says project manager at Fehmarn A/S Christian Kaas Oldenburg.
In contrast to Lolland, the portal site and construction site are located close to the ferry berth in Puttgarden. A working harbour has now been established here, where the large transport ships can transport materials for construction.
Building a bridge to the neighbours
Just on the other side of the construction site is the small town of Marienleuchte, which is a favourite among cycling tourists.
In Fehmarn, the project has faced somewhat different headwinds – especially in the neighbouring towns. Therefore, it has been important for Fehmarn A/S that a bridge be established as soon as possible, so that the work vehicles to and from the construction site do not disturb the soft road users from the local area. A temporary bridge has been established, and right now the permanent bridge is being built, so that there will be a safe road before the summer holidays, even if the construction project accelerates.
500 extra meters of coastline
In addition to the working harbour and bridge construction, 500 meters of Fehmarn’s coastline were laid in the first year and a dyke built around the portal area. Infrastructure has also been created with a three-kilometre-long working road through the site, drainage, waste water lines and electricity. A new concrete plant is also under construction. It must supply concrete for both the tunnel portal and the three bridges, which in total are to be constructed on Fehmarn.
Up to 300 employees
The German construction site currently employs around 100 people, mostly from the local area. When the German construction site is at its peak in 2024, approximately 250-300 people will be employed there. Therefore, there is no need for a tunnel city in the same way as in Rødbyhavn, where much of the production work takes place on land, explains Christian Kaas Oldenburg.
Going as it should
In 2023, the German portal opening will be transferred from FBC (Femern Belt Contractors) to FLC (Femern Link Contractors), as it happened on the Danish side this year. Another milestone has been reached.
– We have had our learning curve and gained experience on the Danish side, which we do not need here. At the same time, the construction work is not that big here on the German side. Therefore, the construction site here will probably reach the Danish side. So yeah, we’re on schedule. It’s going as it should, says the project manager with great satisfaction.
