New tender announced for Fehmarnbelt tunnel
7 January 2014Copenhagen-based client, Femern, which is in charge of the preparation, investigations and planning of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel, has announced another major tender. The work concerns a large sub-station on Lolland. It will provide power for the electric trains, which will operate through the tunnel and for the electrical systems in the tunnel.
Nine international consortia are already in the process of submitting tenders for the tunnel itself. Femern recently announced the tender for the installation of the electrical and mechanical systems in the tunnel.
The project will be undertaken in partnership with the energy supply company, Energinet.dk, and will comprise the installation of the substation, including transformers and switchgear for the supply of the tunnel¹s electricity and the catenary system. Buildings for the switchgear, the control room and staff facilities will also be constructed.
Large amounts of power will be required to keep the electricity-powered trains in operation and to ensure stable operations and a high standard of safety in the tunnel. The existing electricity grid on Lolland does not have the capacity to supply the amount of energy needed for the rail operations and the electrical and mechanical systems, said Femern. A new large substation is necessary and this will be built close to the tunnel¹s ramp and portal system at Rødbyhavn.
Steen Lykke, technical director, said: "The installation of major transformers with their control equipment targets major international or national specialist contractors or sub-contractors. But I can also foresee that some of the works involving buildings and electrical installations will appeal to small firms."
At a later date, Femern A/S will be putting another rail-related contract out to tender, the track and catenary systemm the company stated.
On 21 January 2014, Femern is hosting an 'industry day' where companies that are interested in tendering as well as any sub-contractors will be given a detailed review of the content and nature of the tasks, the firm also announced. There will also be an opportunity to meet the client¹s management team and staff and to acquire a basis for inspiration for creating joint ventures with the right partners.
The tunnel is expected to be open in 2021. It will be about 18km long and will have two rail tubes and dual two-track road tubes separated by a service and escape corridor.
