Shetland Islands Council is considering a proposal to replace its aging ferry services with a network of undersea tunnels, drawing inspiration from the Faroe Islands' extensive tunnel infrastructure. A recent feasibility study suggests that such a transformation could significantly enhance connectivity and potentially foster growth within the archipelago.
The Faroe Islands, located approximately 200 miles northwest of Shetland, have been pioneers in subsea tunnel construction since the 1960s. Their network now comprises over 20 tunnels, including four that traverse beneath the sea to link various island communities. A notable example is the 7.1-mile (11.4 km) tunnel connecting Streymoy to Eysturoy, which features the world's only subsea roundabout. This tunnel, reaching a depth of 187 meters (614 feet) below the Atlantic, has effectively halved travel time between the capital, Tórshavn, and the second-largest town, Klaksvik.
Last year, then-Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands, Aksel Johannesen, highlighted the potential benefits of emulating their tunnel network for Shetland. He suggested that such infrastructure investment could stimulate economic growth, revitalize island life, and encourage population increases.
"I think we have learned in the Faroe Islands that investment in infrastructure is a good investment," Johannesen stated, emphasizing the positive impact of such projects on the islands' development and population.
The proposal for Shetland comes as the council grapples with the ongoing costs and logistical challenges associated with maintaining its ferry services, which are crucial for connecting its scattered islands. The potential shift to tunnel infrastructure represents a significant long-term investment aimed at providing more reliable and potentially faster transportation links across the region. The success of similar projects in the Faroe Islands provides a compelling precedent for Shetland's ambitious plans.