The contract was awarded by Amprion for the construction of the Elbe tunnel, which is over five kilometres long. The tender process was preceded by a multi-stage selection process in which leading construction companies from Germany, Austria and Switzerland took part.

The ElbB Elbe crossing marks the implementation of a key project within Corridor B. The tunnel runs at a depth of around 20 metres and is constructed from thousands of precision-engineered reinforced concrete segments, known as tunnel segments. The project is considered particularly challenging due to its technical and logistical requirements. Once completed, the underground cables for Corridor B are to be laid via the shaft structures in Wewelsfleth in Schleswig-Holstein and Wischhafen in Lower Saxony.

The construction period is currently estimated at around 6.5 years. According to the latest published information, the planning approval decision is expected by the end of 2026. For ÖSTU-STETTIN, this contract award represents a significant milestone and demonstrates the company’s outstanding technical expertise in the field of complex infrastructure and tunnel construction projects. The contract underscores AMPRION’s confidence in ÖSTU-STETTIN’s technical expertise, innovative strength and ability to deliver large-scale projects to the highest standards through collaborative partnership.

The collaborative partnership highlighted in the responses published so far also demonstrates just how crucial factors such as experience, reliability and a shared project culture were in the award of the contract. Together with BEMO Tunnelling, ÖSTU-STETTIN will deliver the ElbB crossing over the Elbe to the highest standards of quality and safety.

Corridor B comprises the Heide/West–Polsum and Wilhelmshaven–Hamm transmission line projects. The projects will be implemented as underground cables using extra-high-voltage direct current technology and are intended to transport climate-friendly electricity from the coastal regions to North Rhine-Westphalia. According to the information currently available, Corridor B can meet the needs of around four million people, making it a key component of Germany’s energy future.

Harald Pacher, Managing Director of ÖSTU-STETTIN, emphasises the significance of the project as an exceptional undertaking with both technical and logistical dimensions. “For our company, being awarded the contract is a special mark of confidence. Together with our project partner, we will bring our combined expertise to bear on the successful implementation of the project. We are ready and proud to be part of this significant infrastructure project.

ElbB stands for technical excellence, collaborative partnership and a construction project whose impact extends far beyond its structural achievements. ÖSTU-STETTIN looks forward to working with all project stakeholders on an initiative that forges connections and builds the future,” said Pacher.