International tender

Femern A/S, therefore, is dividing the task into several major contracts each of which will be put out to international tender. This will ensure optimum competition among the contractor consortia bidding for contracts.

With regard to the Fehmarn project the competitive element will not only ensure the best price but will also encourage potential bidders to think creatively and possibly come up with new and better methods.

Femern A/S plans to invite contractor consortia to participate in a pre-qualification round in the autumn of 2012. In 2013, therefore, it will be clear which consortia will be able to bid for the construction works.

Essentially, the major tasks facing the future contractors will consist of dredging the tunnel trench in the seabed, the construction of the tunnel element factory, production and immersion of the tunnel elements, the construction of portals, approach facilities for the landworks, the construction of the railway and technical installations.

Contracts are expected to be signed in 2015 after which construction work can commence. Total construction costs for the coast-to-coast section between Rødbyhavn and Puttgarden are estimated at EUR 5.5 billion (2008 prices).