World’s First Ship Tunnel to Bypass Norway’s Most Dangerous Waters – gCaptain
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An illustration of the Stad Ship Tunnel.
Image credit: Norwegian Coastal Administration
Norwegian officials have given the green light to fully finance what is set to become the world’s first full-scale ship tunnel, bypassing one of the most dangerous areas for vessels along the Norwegian coast.
The Stad Ship Tunnel will be blasted through 1.7 miles of rock at the narrowest point of the Stad Peninsula, allowing ships the size of Hurtigruten’s coastal steamers to navigate it.
What’s fascinating is that the tunnel isn’t expected to shave much time off the normal route, rather it is intended to allow ships to navigate more safely through the Stadhavet Sea where the North and Norwegian seas. The Stadhavet Sea is considered one of the most exposed and dangerous areas for vessels along the coast of Norway, with sometimes more than 100 storm days per year and a dangerous combination of wind, currents, and waves.
Location of the Stad Ship Tunnel (in yellow).
Credit: Norwegian Coastal Administration