World’s first ship tunnel back on track with £260m mega-project to swerve deadly waters through MOUNTAINS to begin soon
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PLANS for the world's first ship tunnel that will pass through the treacherous conditions and dodge deadly waters are back on track. Construction work for the incredible Stad Ship Tunnel will now begin after the £260million mega project was halted due to the Covid pandemic.
![[Illustration of the Stad Ship Tunnel in Norway, showing a ship entering the tunnel.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/planned-canal-tunnel-bypass-stad-965558953.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The Stad peninsula is home to rough tides and unpredictable weather - making vessels wait out on the harbour for days until they get a green light to sail. For decades, the turbulent waters in the region have impacted maritime trade - and even killed many sailors.
![[Illustration of a ship traveling through a tunnel.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2013-shows-handout-computer-generated-314136998.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Desperate seafarers are forced to carry their small boats on land using timber logs to avoid the dangerous waters. However, with commercial vessels becoming larger and heavier, that hasn't been an option. To solve the problem and boost maritime trade, Norwegian officials proposed to build an extensive tunnel.
![[Illustration of a ship traveling through an illuminated ship tunnel.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2017-showing-artists-impression-illuminted-306747707.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The mile-long safe passage will be carved directly through the peninsula, allowing cargo and passenger ships to pass through safely. Ships will access the tunnel from the north in Selje, with southern access via the Moldefjord - where the Stad Peninsula is at its narrowest.
![[Illustration of a map showing the planned location of the world's first ship tunnel in Norway.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/dk-21-01-ship-tunnel-map.jpg?strip=all&w=804)
The entry to the underground passage will be controlled by traffic lights. But to avoid any clashes, ships will be given time slots by the Vessel Traffic Control - just like planes that land at airports. They would also have to follow a speed limit of five knots, or 5.8mph - which means five ships an hour can pass through the tunnel.
![[Illustration of a cruise ship entering a mountain tunnel.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/knot-shabby-inside-worlds-first-885677358.jpg?strip=all&w=800)
