en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA) has announced that it is ready to build the Stad Ship Tunnel and is prepared to sign contracts with contractors to advance the project.

The agency stated that it has secured funding to start construction following an agreement on a revised national budget, which is expected to be finally approved by the Norwegian Parliament by June 19. NCA Director Einar Vik Arset said the agency is ready to initiate the necessary processes to begin construction in early 2027.

The NCA has evaluated bids for the main construction contract submitted by three consortia: AF Gruppen, Eiffage Génie Civil, and the Skanska/Vassbakk & Stol consortium. In addition, the NCA has prepared tenders for several other contracts, including a contract for the demolition of buildings near the tunnel site and contracts for new water pipelines on both sides of the tunnel.

The competition for the main contract has been ongoing for nearly two years, with final bids received in April this year. Last October, the construction of the Stad Ship Tunnel was at risk as the project awaited parliamentary budget approval. However, a majority of parliament members requested the government to allow the NCA to continue negotiations with the three bidders, granting the project a reprieve.

The Stad Ship Tunnel aims to improve navigability and safety for maritime transport in the waters around Stad, an area considered one of the most weather-exposed and dangerous stretches along the Norwegian coast.

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