April 19 - According to reports in the international media, the Norwegian government has outlined plans to construct a 1.7 km ship tunnel through the Stad Peninsula connecting the Norwegian and North Seas.

The ship tunnel - which will measure 45 m high by 36 m wide and be able to accommodate 16,000 dwt freight and passenger vessels - will be the first of its kind.
 
The Stad Peninsula is renowned for heavy weather that can endanger ships. The proposed tunnel will take these treacherous conditions out of the equation, thereby improving safety and trade links in the area.
 
The estimated cost of the project is NOK1.7 billion (USD296 million).