If I had 260 million quid just floating around burning a hole in my pocket what I would consider spending it on? Maybe my very own deserted island somewhere hot and sunny? Possibly a large luxurious yacht to take me sailing around the world? I could get my very own private jet to whisk me off to far flung places at the drop of a hat. I can dream….. But what are Norway going to spend £260 million on? Blowing up a mountain to make a tunnel in the beautiful Fjords!
It’s been announced that work will start next year building the world’s first ship tunnel. It will be around a mile long with the purpose of allowing ships to take a shortcut and avoid cruising around the Stad Peninsular which is considered the border between the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea. It is designed so that cruise liners, ferries and pleasure boats can not only save time but are also protected from the high winds around that area of the Fjords. The project will take a fair amount of time to complete and the tunnel is not due to open until 2029.
Discussions took place to weigh up the options between a traditional ship canal and a tunnel, but the tunnel option had less environmental damage despite the fact that they will need to blow up part of the 645ft Tarvaldsegga mountain. Norway seems to be a great ‘tunneling’ nation as they already have the world’s longest road tunnel, the Lærdal tunnel which stretches for 15 miles to the northeast of Bergen.
I guess with their North Sea oil and gas reserves Norway is an affluent country and they can afford to do whatever they like with their £260 million. I just hope that the tunnel doesn’t spoil the breathtaking landscape around the Fjords as that is something money truly can’t buy.
If you are interesting in sailing to the stunning Norwegian Fjords then check out some of our great deals here or you can call me on 0800 408 6105 or e-mail collettea@cruise.co.uk.