The report recently released about the Helsinki-Tallinn tunnel Task Force chaired by the Ministry of Transport and Communications states that due to the scale and complexity of the Helsinki-Tallinn tunnel project, its progress would require new, innovative solutions, especially regarding funding. Private sector involvement would speed up the progress of the project and strengthen its financial viability. One way to implement the tunnel would be to find multiple sources of funding for the project.

The report recommends that in order to proceed, the project would need a strong project organisation. The next step could be to establish a development vehicle, like a project company, that would take the project forward. The task force underlines that Finland and Estonia should coordinate land use planning to enable the implementation of the tunnel project.

Similarly, the countries should work together to ensure that the tunnel connection will be included in the EU's TEN-T core network when it is revised in 2023. This would create visibility for the project and enable applications for certain EU funding.

Building the tunnel would require exploring and utilising technology innovations. Exploring different solutions in, for example, drilling technologies and development of high-speed rail transport technology would be essential for the next stage of the project.

The report recommends that by the end of 2018 Finland and Estonia should agree on concrete involvement and participation in the implementation of the project. By the end of 2018, the responsible ministries in Finland and Estonia will draw up a proposal on what the next steps in the project will be. Click here, ee/12 and fi/25 for tunnelbuider archive. Visit https://www.lvm.fi/en/-/tallinn-tunnel-task-force-unique-mega-project-requires-private-sector-participation-972876 and http://www.finestlink.fi/en/. 21/18.