The DEME Group has unveiled ‘Ivy,’ a remarkable addition to its marine fleet, engineered to support the ambitious Fehmarnbelt tunnel project. This announcement comes as the company takes another step in the construction of one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Europe. Designed specifically for the transport and immersion of 89 massive tunnel elements, ‘Ivy’ comprises two custom-built immersion pontoons and represents a significant milestone in DEME’s efforts to facilitate the project’s progress.
Stretching 100 meters in length and 45 meters in width, ‘Ivy’ boasts an impressive lifting capacity of 8,000 tonnes. This makes it an integral asset for the upcoming phases of the tunnel construction, given the sheer scale and weight of the concrete tunnel elements that need to be transported and positioned with precision. With 66 winches installed on board, this engineering marvel is tailored for the immense task of maneuvering the tunnel elements into place beneath the sea. Additionally, ‘Ivy’ can accommodate up to 22 crew members, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently throughout the immersion process.
The Fehmarnbelt tunnel project is not just any construction endeavor; it’s a monumental challenge, connecting Denmark and Germany via an 18-kilometer submerged tunnel that will significantly enhance connectivity and reduce travel times. As the longest immersed tunnel in the world upon completion, this project demands high-caliber marine equipment, and DEME’s introduction of ‘Ivy’ signals their readiness to meet this challenge head-on.
DEME has emphasized that the commissioning and offshore trials of ‘Ivy’ are in their final stages. These tests are crucial to ensuring that the pontoon performs flawlessly during the immersion phase. Fine-tuning this massive piece of machinery will ensure it can execute the delicate task of lowering and positioning the tunnel sections accurately into the trench. It’s a clear demonstration of DEME’s commitment to precision and reliability, qualities that are essential in a project of this scale.
The excitement surrounding ‘Ivy’s’ introduction is palpable among DEME colleagues who are part of the broader Femern Link Contractors (FLC) team. This joint venture, which involves some of the leading construction and marine engineering firms in the industry, is responsible for delivering the Fehmarnbelt tunnel project to completion. The teamwork and collaboration involved in such a large-scale project make every advancement a shared victory.
‘Ivy’ isn’t the only custom-built pontoon playing a pivotal role in this endeavor. Earlier in the year, another pontoon named ‘Maya’ joined the marine fleet to handle a different but equally critical task: the installation of a gravel bed within the tunnel trench. The gravel bed serves as the foundation on which the tunnel elements will rest, highlighting just how essential every piece of this puzzle is.
In total, four custom-built pontoons are slated to be employed in the construction of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel. Each one serves a unique function, reinforcing the idea that the project requires a combination of specialized equipment and expertise. As the tunnel project progresses, the deployment of these massive pontoons like ‘Ivy’ and ‘Maya’ will undoubtedly play a decisive role in achieving milestones and maintaining the project timeline.
