The Norwegian Coastal Administration is working on the plans for the procurement of a contractor. The project is intended as a large turnkey contract, which includes both design and execution.
The process is planned with contract signing by the end of 2022, which means start-up for construction in the spring of 2023.
The Storting gave its approval in May 2021. Which means that all the formalities are now in place for the construction of the Stad ship tunnel.
In February , the Norwegian Coastal Administration received the letter of award, which stipulates that we are to initiate the acquisition of properties in the area where the ship tunnel is to be built, set up a project organisation, draw up tender documentation and initiate a tender process. This is in the plans for 2021.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Transport has drawn up a proposition to the Storting on the project.
The process has previously been as follows:
- On behalf of the Ministry of Transport, the Norwegian Coastal Administration devised a preliminary project and zoning plan with an impact assessment. Meanwhile, we worked on the operating concept and the realisation of benefits plan for the Stad ship tunnel, based on preliminary studies that were completed in 2014. The final report was submitted to the Ministry of Transport on 16 May 2017.
- The preliminary project, and subsequent quality assurance (KS2), form the basis for further consideration by the Storting with regard to final funding and implementation. As KS2 showed a higher price than the Norwegian Coastal Administration’s cost estimate, the Norwegian Coastal Administration was asked in January 2019 to conduct a new review. In this new review, the Norwegian Coastal Administration will make it clear that the ship tunnel can be built for NOK 2.7 billion, which was the cost estimate in the preliminary project. In KS2, which was delivered to the Ministry of Transport in May 2018, the price was estimated at NOK 3.7 billion – i.e. NOK 1 billion more than what has been allocated in the National Transport Plan.
- The Norwegian Coastal Administration submitted its report on 15 June 2019, where the conclusion was that the ship tunnel can be built within the framework for the funds that were allocated in the National Transport Plan 2018-2029. The Norwegian Coastal Administration identified opportunities for cost reductions in the project, and carried out studies to reduce the uncertainty in the project. If all of the cost reductions are made, the new estimated framework will be NOK 2677 million. In comparison, a price-adjusted framework in the National Transport Plan amounts to NOK 2953 million.
- In 2020, archaeological excavations were carried out in the regulated area, which was then released for the start of construction. Preparations have been completed for land acquisition.
