Norwegian tunnel technology could become an export success

We have built tunnels in water, underwater and through mountains. We have built tunnels for people, cars, trains and energy systems. We have developed expertise in sensor technology, ventilation systems, safety and digital tools, from early-stage planning through to project completion.

The recently published National Transport Plan 2022–2033 outlines many new tunnel projects in Norway that are larger, longer, deeper and more complex than ever before. Building roads and other infrastructure in challenging conditions has enabled Norwegian suppliers to become global leaders in tunnel construction and highly relevant to the international market.

The Norwegian tunnelling method has proved highly cost-effective. It uses the surrounding rock as the load-bearing structure. We follow a range of procedures to ensure the rock can bear the load, including injecting grout into weak zones to reinforce it.

Norwegian suppliers can demonstrate high quality and a strong focus on cost-benefit considerations, as well as health, safety and the environment. Cost-effective methods help overcome the challenges of a demanding mountain and fjord landscape. In Norway, we are also skilled at tailoring tunnel investments to traffic volumes and transport needs. Many countries are similarly seeking to adapt structures and solutions to the actual local needs of their projects.

For decades, Norwegian road and rail authorities have undertaken major tunnel projects, helping Norwegian suppliers develop their expertise in tunnel construction. In cities, highly complex tunnels carrying heavy traffic solve transport challenges – for example, in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim and Tromsø. Between cities, and across large mountain ranges and long fjords, road and rail infrastructure is tailored to traffic volumes and transport needs.

Ground-breaking projects such as Rogfast, a 27-kilometre subsea tunnel crossing Boknafjord north of Stavanger, and the planned Stad Ship Tunnel will break all previous records. At any given time, more than 200 other tunnel projects are also being planned or built. Major investment in road and rail construction will continue to develop expertise in the years ahead, helping Norway remain at the forefront of tunnel construction.

One of our strengths is our ability to harness innovative methods for continuous improvement. Norway is a global leader in the digitalisation of tunnel projects, and our suppliers use digital tools to compete effectively. Norwegian suppliers use machinery and machine-control technologies that enable fully digital delivery of complex drilling, blasting and rock-support operations. By offering Norwegian expertise and experience in cost-effective tunnelling and underground construction methods, our suppliers can compete in international markets.

Norwegian companies have previously exported technology to markets such as China and Hong Kong. Andersen Mek. Verksted has sold tunnelling machines worth more than NOK 150 million to China and between NOK 100 million and NOK 150 million to Hong Kong. Leonard Nilsen og Sønner generated revenue of between NOK 500 million and NOK 600 million in Hong Kong in connection with the construction of sewer tunnels. LNS also generates revenue of NOK 500–700 million from Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Bever Control has exported approximately NOK 24 million worth of products to China each year since 2016.