Ramboll, Royal Haskoning DHV and Witteveen Bos are joining forces to develop innovative tunnel solutions, following their collaboration on the world’s longest immersed tunnel, the Fehmarnbelt.
The three engineering companies all provide design services and consultancy for tunnel projects.
The Dutch firms Royal Haskoning DHV and Witteveen Bos already work together in the field of tunnelling and underground works under the name Tunnel Engineering Consultants (TEC).
Danish company Ramboll joined TEC and Arup in delivering technical advisory services for the under development Fehmarnbelt tunnel between Germany and Denmark.
Ramboll, Royal Haskoning DHV and Witteveen Bos have now signed an agreement that builds on this previous collaboration. The three consultancies are combining their capabilities within planning and design of tunnels and underground structures.
The aim is to provide multidisciplinary consultancy and technical advisory for the whole asset life cycle for tunnels – from early planning and feasibility, through to the final design, asset management and decommissioning planning and provisions.
Witteveen Bos infrastructural engineering business unit director Rinze Herrema said: “Innovation is the cornerstone of our collaboration. As with our work on Fehmarnbelt, we will push current engineering standards to overcome complex technical challenges, unlock new opportunities, and create the best solutions in partnership with our clients.”
Royal Haskoning DHV infrastructure business unit director Niek Joustra said he is pleased to see “even closer collaboration” between the three companies, which can offer clients access to “the most qualified tunnel specialists”.
Ramboll Denmark transport executive director Asger Knudsen added that the trio wants to emphasise best practice in sustainability and resilience within tunnel engineering and design.
This includes “a committed emphasis on regenerative design principles to reduce the environmental impact and increase the life span of existing and new tunnels, as well as the use of eco-friendly and recyclable materials, and a focus on preserving biodiversity,”.
The co-operation agreement took effect on 1 January 2024 and brings together a combined workforce of more than 25,000 engineers.
