Engineers Place First Tunnel Element on Baltic Seabed
The 81,000-ton concrete structure now sits in a trench, marking progress on the massive Denmark-Germany transit link.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Construction
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On May 7, 2026, engineers successfully lowered the first of 89 concrete elements onto the Baltic seabed to form an 11-mile tunnel. The structure connects Denmark and Germany, featuring a design that incorporates two motorway and two railway tubes.
Why it matters
The project serves as a vital infrastructure link between the two nations, supported by over €1 billion in funding from the Connecting Europe Facility. This achievement marks the beginning of a complex multi-year installation process required to complete the international passage.
The first immersed element measures 712 feet in length and weighs 81,000 tons, including 4,500 tonnes of added ballast concrete. These components are being placed into a trench 40 meters below the surface of the Baltic Sea.
The players
Connecting Europe Facility
This is a key European Union funding instrument that provides financial support for infrastructure projects to foster interconnectivity.
IVY
This is the specialized vessel used to transport massive concrete tunnel elements from the production site to the underwater immersion zone.
The details
Contractors used a specialized process involving temporary water chambers and controlled submergence to place the element, which was transported from the Rødbyhavn factory by five tugboats and the vessel IVY. Once positioned, the section was secured using a base of rock and gravel.
Timeline
Construction of the tunnel project began in June 2020.
Excavation of the 18 km tunnel trench began in July 2021.
The first tunnel element left the factory on May 4, 2026.
The element reached the seabed on May 7, 2026.
Project completion is expected in 2029.
Market Landscape
This project follows funding guidelines established by the Connecting Europe Facility. It represents a major cross-border infrastructure development that strengthens regional transit connectivity between Germany and Denmark.
The completed tunnel aims to streamline transit times for commuters and freight between Germany and Denmark once operations commence in 2029. Travelers can expect significant changes to regional cross-border logistics and potential shifts in standard travel routes.
The takeaway
The successful placement of this initial element highlights the engineering precision required for deep-sea immersion projects. Following this milestone, crews will continue the multi-year process of installing the remaining 88 segments to complete the link.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in large-scale infrastructure by visiting the Construction section.
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