Milestone for the world's longest underwater road tunnel

The ventilation shaft, which runs directly from the surface to the tunnel at a depth of 231 metres, is an essential part of Lot E02 of the Rogfast project, which is being carried out by a joint venture between Implenia and Stangeland Maskin. The Austrian subcontractor ÖSTU-STETTIN, which is known for its extensive experience in shaft construction, is responsible for the actual shaft driving. 

Project manager Ole Magne Rønning from Implenia describes the completion of the shaft as crucial for the further course of the project: "This is an important milestone for the project. We depend on the shaft to continue the work and bring fresh air into the tunnel." 

Saves energy and shortens air transport 

Ventilation is a key factor in large tunnel projects. The new shaft will make air transport much more efficient while reducing energy consumption: "The shafts are crucial for the further progress of the project: in terms of ventilation, we are saving 3.5 kilometres of air transport through the Kvitsøy Tunnel. With the shaft, it is only 210 metres vertically down. We also save energy and electricity. Because there is not enough electricity available on the island, we cannot simply increase the power of the fans to achieve more capacity. During tunnel excavation, we need more and more energy to pump out water and pump in air," explains Ole Magne Rønning.