AINS Group and Pöyry sign framework agreement on design work for the Tallinn tunnel

Responsible for the conceptual design of the tunnel, AINS Group and Pöyry signed a framework agreement with Finest Bay Area Development Ltd on design services for the planned railway tunnel between Finland and Estonia. The agreement lays out the ground rules and division of duties in the design of the project.

– We are delighted to sign the framework agreement, which enables us to speed up technical design in the project and enhance the environmental impact assessment and environmental consultation. The agreement further reinforces our excellent co-operation with the customer and with AINS Group in this highly extensive project, says Pöyry’s Markku Oksanen.

– We are currently focusing on creating safe, environmentally friendly, and financially sustainable design solutions, says Timo Saanio, vice president, AINS Group.

– We will build the world’s longest undersea railway tunnel and are at the same time developing a completely new type of concept for implementing mega-projects, which is already attracting international interest, Saanio continues.

Determining the best route for the Tallinn tunnel

In the draft plans, the 100-kilometre-long tunnel has two parts and runs as deep as 200 meter below sea level. There will be four stations along the route. Several alternative routes are being investigated in aims of finding the safest and most cost-efficient solution. However, further investigation related to the ground, safety technologies, train technologies, and tunnel-driving technologies can already begin, along with preparations for various permit processes.

– We have detected a fairly large fracture zone below the Gulf of Finland. You encounter these every now and then in tunnel projects. The next step is to investigate the conditions further and determine the route for the tunnel. The construction methods and tunnel structures will be adapted to existing conditions. This is normal practice in tunnel projects, says Saanio.

– The agreement is a continuation to the excellent co-operation with AINS Group and Pöyry, and it takes the project another step forward. The project has been created and promoted step by step with passion and determination over the last three years. Now we are able to launch more detailed technical planning, and it is a pleasure to do this with the best providers in the world, says Peter Vesterbacka of Finest Bay Area Development Ltd.

Finest Bay Area Ltd started the conceptual design work for the undersea railway tunnel in co-operation with Pöyry and AINS Group in May 2018. The environmental impact assessment (EIA) programme was submitted to Finnish authorities in January 2019.

Further information:
Timo Saanio, Vice President, AINS Group
Tel. +358 40 506 5671
timo.saanio@ains.fi

Markku Oksanen, Pöyry Finland Oy
Tel. +358 40 527 6163
markku.oksanen@poyry.com

Kustaa Valtonen, Finest Bay Area Development Ltd
Tel. +358 50 415 5300
kustaa@live.com