Preliminary surveys on the geological conditions of the Fehmarnbelt were already conducted in 1995/96. The results demonstrated that the future fixed link between Denmark and Germany will be based on ground types the Danish bridge builders are already familiar with from previous major bridge projects.

The actual geological survey will begin on the research ship “Madog”, which will be crossing for four weeks within a two-kilometre corridor between Rødby and Puttgarden east of the ferry route. Onboard it will carry instruments emitting sonic waves and it will tow approx. 250 m long cables equipped with hydrophones trailing behind the research vessel. The vibrations resulting from the sonic waves enter the ground and are then reflected and detected by the hydrophones. The survey by the “Madog” is expected to be completed on Friday, 22 August 2008, so the investigations can be carried out under the best possible weather conditions.

The “Madog” will conduct several types of surveys simultaneously. The seismic investigations will penetrate the seabed and reveal the ground properties and the seabed in the area can be mapped in detail. Additionally, a magnetic survey reveals whether there are any wrecks or other iron obstacles located on the seabed.

Although the instruments pose no risk to fish or mammals, the sonic waves and vibrations can cause a certain strain to these animals. For this reason measures will be taken to carefully shoo-away mammals and fish before the actual works begin. This approach is well-known and has been successfully tested, for instance, at new offshore wind parks.

After the seismic survey, test drillings as well as laboratory and field examinations will be conducted during the following three years to give the engineers a complete picture of the seabed and the geological conditions. 

Less comprehensive seismic surveys have already been conducted on land in those areas where the link will most likely reach the shore: east of Rødby harbour and east of the ferry harbour in Puttgarden. This survey took place from 16 June to 20 June 2008. Furthermore, geo-electrical investigations in the above-mentioned area East of Puttgarden will be carried out in the beginning of August 2008.

The surveys are carried out for Femern A/S by a newly established consultant joint venture, consisting of Rambøll Danmark A/S, Denmark, und Ove Arup & Partners Ltd, United Kingdom. The group of companies has won the EU tender held in spring 2008. The geotechnical survey will be realised with a budget of 40 m euros.

Femern A/S has assigned three internationally renowned experts as consultants to the performance of the surveys and the interpretation of the results. The members of the expert group are:

• Dr. eng. Bernd Schuppener, Federal Institute for Waterway Engineering and Research, BAW, Karlsruhe
• M. Sc., PhD Ole Hededal, Technical University Denmark, DTU Byg
• M. Sc., lic. techn. Niels Foged, Technical University Denmark, DTU Byg

Femern A/S is a 100 percent publicly owned limited company under the Danish Ministry of Transport. The company is tasked with carrying out the initial investigations and other preparations for the construction of a fixed link across the Fehmarnbelt between Denmark and Germany.

Attached to this press release you will find a map of the area where the comprehensive geotechnical field surveys will be conducted over the next four years.

If you have any questions, please contact Project Manager Jens Kammer, phone + 45 33 41 63 09.