How will the tunnel elements be produced?

Production in individual segments
It is likely that eight production lines will be needed for the casting of the planned 79 standard elements. Each of these 217 m long standard elements weighing 72.000 tons consists of a total of nine identical segments. One segment will be produced every 7 to 8 days in each production line. Once a segment is completed, it will be pushed forward to a stacking area to create room for the next segment. This process will be continued until all nine segments have been tied together by a system of tension cables to form a whole tunnel element.

Launching of elements
The stacking area consists of a shallow and a deep basin. The tunnel elements are pushed into the shallow basin directly from the production hall. Then, the moveable water tight gates are closed and sea water is pumped into both basins until the elements float. The water level in the basins is now above sea level allowing the elements to be pulled into the deeper section. The water level in the deep basin is then lowered to sea level. The gates are opened and the elements that are now floating at sea level can be towed into the harbour basin.

The tunnel elements are connected with tugboats in the harbour basin and towed  out to the temporary holding areas in Fehmarnbelt.

Sketch of the production site for tunnel elements in Rødbhavn