King Frederik X will inaugurate the element at a ceremony on June 17. The element, which will form the first 217m of the tunnel between Denmark and Germany, will be submerged later this year.
“The inauguration of the first tunnel element is a significant milestone in the project. We’re very proud that HM King Frederik X has chosen to mark this day with us,” said Sund & Bælt CEO Mikkel Hemmingsen.
During his visit, the King will meet some of the young apprentices involved in building the world’s longest immersed tunnel. The creation of 500 full-time apprenticeships is included in construction contracts for the project.
Also on June 17, a time capsule containing the thoughts and items of people who have helped to build and design the first tunnel element will be created. The capsule will be sealed and placed in the Fehmarnbelt project’s Exhibition Centre before being buried near the tunnel portal.
The Fehmarnbelt Tunnel will comprise 79 large tunnel elements and 10 special concrete elements, currently under production at a special facility in Rødbyhavn on Lolland, the largest construction site in Northern Europe.
The 18km-long tunnel beneath the Baltic Sea will connect Rødbyhavn on Lolland in Denmark and Puttgarden on the German island of Femern.
