Germany’s federal transport minister Patrick Schnieder and his Danish counterpart Thomas Danielsen have reaffirmed their commitment to the Fehmarnbelt fixed link despite new delays on both sides of the project. In a joint video conference, they reviewed progress on the tunnel and its German rail connection. DB InfraGO announced in July that completion of the German hinterland link will be delayed beyond 2029 due to planning and permit issues.

Similarly, Denmark’s Sund & Bælt holding reported setbacks in building the specialist vessel required to lower tunnel elements, pushing the process back by 18 months and threatening the 2029 opening target. Both governments have agreed to coordinate revised schedules for commissioning. Despite the challenges, the ministers emphasised their continued support for the 2008 state treaty governing the project. (js)