“We have conducted the studies as planned and are satisfied with the results,” said Jens Kammer, Femern A/S project manager. “Work has gone smoothly, and we would like to thank the landowners affected by the studies for their understanding.”

The result of the geoelectric studies, together with the previously conducted seismic studies, will help geotechnicians identify the sites of the test drillings to be carried out next summer. Five or six test drillings, each up to 100 metres deep, will be made on land on each side of the Fehmarn Belt.

When the results from these drillings are available later in 2009, Femern A/S will designate an area of approximately 2000 m2 to larger-scale field trials.

The field trials will reveal to what extent the subsoil will settle under the weight of the structure. Settling can damage the structure, and preventing it requires driving piles deep into the subsoil.

The information obtained from the trials will give engineers the accurate and detailed information about the subsoil they need before construction of the link can begin. At the same time, the outcome of the geotechnical studies will contribute significantly to the final choice of the link’s alignment.

The overall geotechnical studies are expected to cost about €40 million.

For additional information please contact Femern A/S Project Manager Jens Kammer on tel. + 45 33 41 63 09