Norwegian tunnelling contractor LNS at the side of Austrian tunnellers BeMo and Strabag were appointed for the following segment of labor taking a look at the potential of fastened hyperlinks in Shetland.
Investment used to be agreed by means of Shetland Islands Council previous this 12 months to expand a Fastened Hyperlink Type (FLM), the usage of the Yell Sound crossing as a take a look at case. Consulting engineers Cowi (a Danish corporate) and Stantec (Canadian) undertook engagement with the trade and made up our minds at the all-foreign line-up.
As a part of the paintings, each and every contractor might be making website visits and starting paintings to study and review the reference design.
The council mentioned that it’s taking a look to grasp contractors’ urge for food to interact in any conceivable long run fastened hyperlink tunnel tasks, in addition to what monetary fortify is also to be had to fortify such building.
Their conclusions will assist tell the following level of the broader Inter-island Shipping Connectivity Define Trade Case, which might be thought to be by means of councillors in summer time 2026. At that time, most popular choices might be selected for each and every of the 8 island routes throughout the programme.

Chair of the Shetland Islands Council’s setting and shipping committee, Moraig Lyall, mentioned: “We’re very happy that Cowi’s engagement with the trade has attracted those firms, each and every of which has a confirmed monitor document each inside of the United Kingdom and internationally. Their paintings will give you the key knowledge we, as elected individuals, require to make selections at the subsequent steps for what may well be essentially the most important undertaking the council has undertaken in its 50 12 months historical past.
“I should emphasise that, although the Yell Sound crossing has been selected for this modelling paintings, it does now not imply it will be ‘first at the record’ for development. It does, then again, give us the widest vary of variables which will also be examined and modelled.”
Andy Sloan, government vp of Cowi, added: “I’m very happy that we’ve got 3 globally skilled contractors engaged to give a contribution to our Fastened Hyperlink Type learn about, which explores the supply of subsea tunnels for Shetland. We all know that tunnels are solely possible from an engineering viewpoint. Their involvement will supply additional info on price, programme and development problems in Shetland for a unmarried tunnel that has been evolved to scheme design. This may increasingly supply knowledge in fortify of the learn about that seeks to outline the whole deliverability of those tunnels, from procurement and engineering thru to investment.
“We’re thankful to each and every of the corporations for his or her dedication to supporting this essential segment of labor. Their involvement marks a big step ahead of a doubtlessly game-changing infrastructure undertaking in the United Kingdom. We look ahead to running with them and to the precious proof and research their tests will convey.”
Were given a tale? Electronic mail information@theconstructionindex.co.united kingdom





