Ferry minister asks Strandferðslan to delay Kalsoy tunnel tender

Jacob Vestergaard, the Faroese minister of transport, said he has asked the public ferry operator Strandferðslan to postpone its tender process, Kringvarp Føroya reported.

Speaking at a public meeting in the village school at Skúlatrøð on Wednesday evening, Vestergaard did not promise a tunnel to the island of Kalsoy but said he would work to have the matter investigated thoroughly enough for a political decision.

He left no doubt about which solution he considers better, pointing to population trends in islands without fixed connections. “Some have pointed out that the road network on the island cannot handle the traffic from a tunnel, but we cannot use that as an argument. The road network on Kalsoy must be upgraded regardless, so it cannot be used as a pretext for not starting a tunnel,” Vestergaard said.

Asked by an audience member what will happen if the project is starved of resources, Vestergaard replied: “I will investigate what is possible before going ahead with a new ferry, but I will not say anything about when a possible tunnel might come or could come, because so much needs to fall into place — for instance how a possible tunnel fits into the long-term investment plan that this government is to draw up.”

The meeting was fully attended. Eyðun Eliasen and Bjørn Kalsø welcomed participants, and presentations followed from Karl Johansen, Frírikur Heinesen, Mourits Joensen, Kristian Stórhamar, Símun í Nornástovu and Dávur Syderbø. The event concluded with questions and comments.

Tags: Kalsoy tunnel, ferry, Faroe Islands