SWECO criticizes risk analysis for Suduroy Tunnel project in Norway

The international consulting firm SWECO has issued a critical assessment of the risk analysis that underpins the cost estimate for the Suduroy Tunnel project.

SWECO has stated that the solution proposed by Norconsult, the firm responsible for designing the tunnel, is unacceptable and fails to meet the requirements of the “zero vision” safety standards adhered to in Norway.

The firm also suggested that Norconsult deliberately selected scenarios for fire incidents to reach a predetermined conclusion. They highlighted that the proposed design is significantly cheaper than what is typically required for a tunnel of this length, lacking essential safety features such as an escape tunnel, a safety room, or an escape route behind a fire wall.

In a related note, the facility at Mýrin in Hoyvík was completed last summer, but the Ministry of Welfare has expressed dissatisfaction with both the quantity and quality of the building.

The National Audit Office has recommended a review of the building permitting system in light of these issues.