On Sunday, news broke that the centre-left parties had reached an agreement on the revised national budget, which includes funding for the start of construction of the Stad Ship Tunnel. The budget is scheduled for final approval by the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget) by 19 June.
– We have received the news regarding the ship tunnel. We are ready to initiate the processes needed to facilitate a construction start in the beginning of 2027, says Director General of the Norwegian Coastal Administration Einar Vik Arset.
The Norwegian Coastal Administration has completed its evaluation of the bids submitted by the three consortiums competing for the main construction contract. At the same time, several other contracts are ready to be tendered, including a demolition contract for buildings that must be removed near the tunnel site and a contract for new water pipelines on both sides of the tunnel.
– This is a major project, but we have prepared thoroughly over several years. We are ready as soon as we receive instructions from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, says Arset.
Award of the Construction Contract
The tender competition for the main contract has been ongoing for nearly two years. In April, the Norwegian Coastal Administration received final bids from AF Gruppen, Eiffage Génie Civil, and the Skanska/Vassbakk & Stol consortium.
– The evaluation has been completed. Once the contract award is announced, there will be a standstill period for any complaints before the contract can be signed as planned. The selected contractor will then be able to begin preparations with the aim of starting construction in the beginning of 2027, says Project Manager Harald Inge Johnsen.