The mile-long tunnel that will allow ships to pass over a mountain
In Scandinavia, Norway is investing several hundred million dollars in a one-of-a-kind infrastructure project.
Norway is preparing to build the world’s first purpose-built maritime tunnel designed specifically for cruise ships and other large vessels. Known as the Stad Ship Tunnel, the project is still in the planning phase, but construction is expected to commence in early 2027.
Why the Stad Ship Tunnel is needed
The tunnel will be located on the Scandinavian country’s west coast, near the Stadlandet Peninsula. This area is considered one of the most dangerous stretches of water for navigation because of powerful winds, frequent storms, and heavy seas that regularly make passage around Cape Stad challenging and hazardous.
Until now, ships had no choice but to sail around this notoriously unstable section of coastline. Once the tunnel is completed, vessels will be able to bypass the dangerous route and travel safely through the mountain instead. For that reason, Norway’s coastal administration, known as Kystverket, emphasizes that the project’s primary purpose is to improve safety for passengers, crews, and vessels.
The tunnel will be just over a mile long and about 120 feet wide. These dimensions will allow ships measuring up to about 460 feet in length and weighing as much as 16,000 tons to pass through safely and efficiently. According to Norwegian authorities, no comparable structure exists anywhere else in the world.
How much will the tunnel cost?
The project carries an estimated price tag of 8.6 billion Norwegian kroner - just under $900 million. Although the Norwegian parliament officially endorsed the project in 2017, construction has been delayed by significant cost increases that triggered years of political debate.
Initial projections placed the cost at around 5 billion kroner, but later estimates pushed the figure significantly higher. As expenses continued to rise, the government was forced to reassess the project’s viability and even considered redirecting the funding toward maintaining existing transportation infrastructure.
Ultimately, negotiations proved successful after lawmakers agreed on a final budget of 8.6 billion kroner. With the financial hurdles resolved, the project is now moving steadily toward construction.
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.