Exhausted but happy! That was the prevailing feeling among most participants at the STUVA Conference 2025 in Hamburg. It was clear in advance that the three days from 25 to 27 November 2025 at the Congress Centre Hamburg would be exceptionally intense: In no time at all, all the stand space for the approximately 7,000 m² STUVA Expo had been allocated, and the number of conference participants had been on a record-breaking upward trend since the early bird registration phase. In the end, around 4,400 people did not want to miss the world's largest conference and trade fair for tunnels and infrastructure. For three days, the focus was on the major current issues facing the industry: sustainability and CO₂ reduction, digitalisation and BIM, safety and availability, energy corridors and urban mobility – all with the informal conference atmosphere that makes the STUVA conference something very special every two years.
Parallel Sessions on Tunnel Construction and Tunnel Operation – Two Halls, One Shared Focus
After the opening ceremony, participants split into parallel sessions – and it quickly became clear how strong the interest in both fields was. Two halls, different focal points, but one common goal: shaping the future of underground construction and operation.
The tunnel construction segment initially spotlighted major projects: railway tunnels, energy corridors, and new utility tunnels emerging as critical infrastructure. Later, the focus shifted to sustainability and CO₂ reduction – not as a buzzword, but as a tangible engineering challenge. Discussions ranged from the reuse of excavated material to the potential of geothermal energy and the role of steel fibre reinforcement in resource-efficient linings. Attentive listeners realized: this is about more than technology – it’s about a new self-concept for tunnelling, combining efficiency with environmental responsibility and embracing every technical innovation available.
The tunnel operation track was equally well attended. Topics spanned safety and risk mitigation, tunnel availability, and ventilation concepts – such as dew point control in the Saukopf Tunnel or cooling strategies for the Future Circular Collider in Geneva. Overarching all was the theme of digitalization: BIM, digital twins, AI-driven information processing, and robust communication networks.
A common thread linked both streams: sustainability and energy. Decarbonizing cement and concrete, ecologically assessed tunnel linings – these were not side issues but integral to strategic planning.
“I’ve Been Talking Nonstop for Two Days. Wonderful!”
Alongside the presentations, the STUVA Expo was buzzing in Hall H, directly adjacent to the CCH, covering around 7,000 m². Here, 182 exhibitors showcased what they have to offer the industry – from machinery manufacturers to specialist foundation engineering and service providers. For two days, the hall hummed like a beehive. Everywhere you looked, people were engaged in conversation – nonstop for two full days. At times, it was almost impossible to get through; yet smiles remained, because so many customer contacts make people happy. One exhibitor summed it up at the STUVA counter: “I’ve been talking nonstop for two days. Wonderful!”
Exhibitors could count themselves lucky to have secured a stand at all. Some interested companies had to be deferred to the next trade fair in two years’ time in Munich.
Gala Evening: Champagne Reception, Full House, and Keller Bar Until Late
As evening fell, the rhythm changed: first, a stylish champagne reception in the impressive CCH foyer – hosted by Socotec – before the gala dinner began. Fully booked, with an atmosphere blending relaxed sociability and professional exchange over a fine meal. And because traditions endure at STUVA, the legendary Keller Grundbau bar opened later. Some discussions work best in the morning, others deepen at night; Hamburg offered both.
Day Three: Hands-On Technology – In-Depth Excursions
After two days of exhibition halls and lecture rooms, the third day brought a complete change: off with the business suit, on with the boots! Carefully curated technical excursions awaited those lucky enough to secure one of the coveted spots. Participants enjoyed exclusive tours of major construction sites and projects – some in areas normally off-limits – always guided by project managers, many of whom had attended the conference themselves. Highlights included the final structural works of the U4 Horner Geest extension, the first sites of the U5 mega-project, the XFEL/DESY particle accelerator, the segment tunnel of the ElbX crossing as part of SuedLink, and more. The most elaborate tour, with a 2.5-hour bus ride, took participants to the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel megaproject, visiting both the German and Danish construction sites. When this group returned to Hamburg in the evening, the 2025 STUVA Conference was officially over.
A Heartfelt Thank You to All Sponsors and Supporters of STUVA 2025!
As in previous years, the STUVA Conference 2025 was supported by numerous companies and organizations. Special thanks go to all sponsors for their committed and reliable support. STUVA also warmly thanks the exhibitors for their participation in the STUVA Expo and the companies that provided participants with practical and highly exclusive insights during the excursions. Particularly noteworthy is the sponsorship of tickets for students from Hamburg universities, initiated and organized by STUVA-YEP. Thanks to the generosity of several companies, many students were able to attend the conference free of charge this year. We extend our sincere thanks – also on behalf of the next generation of professionals.
After STUVA 2025 Comes STUVA 2027
As always, the three days of the STUVA Conference in Hamburg flew by in a flash. Now it’s time to return to day-to-day business and start developing new topics for the next event. Fortunately, the location and date of the next STUVA Conference are already set. For everyone who can hardly wait, here is the announcement for the next STUVA Conference in Munich 2027: It will take place from 8 to 10 December 2027 at Messe München. We look forward to continuing the professional exchange and are already excited about STUVA 2027 in Munich – save the date an visit https://www.stuva-conference.com/
