The list shows potential recipients of stone and the prioritization among them. The higher a project is on the list, the greater the chance it has of receiving stone. If a project were to fall through for various reasons, the next project on the list would move up in priority.

Own projects near the tunnel openings have the highest priority

To reduce costs in the project, parts of the stone masses will be used near the ship tunnel, for the entrance areas and for new industrial areas in Kjøde and Lesto. Therefore, these initiatives are prioritized first. The Norwegian Coastal Administration has obtained acceptance from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries to seek to reuse the remaining stone masses to build new and expand existing initiatives in nearby municipalities, instead of using the approved deposition site on the seabed in Moldefjorden.

- The excess masses from the ship tunnel are a non-renewable resource of great value, which is now being fully utilized in line with the principles of the circular economy. This is unique. Through the ship tunnel, we get an entirely new shipping route, and the tunnel masses give us the opportunity to build a new and strong infrastructure for all types of maritime transport, business activities, and a world-class destination. The ship tunnel and the excess masses undoubtedly provide us with unique opportunities, says municipal director in Stad municipality, Kristine Dahl.

Uncertainty and risk

Skjeppestad emphasizes that there is significant uncertainty regarding the total amount of stone the project has for distribution after the portal areas and the Lesto and Kjøde industrial areas have received the necessary amount.

The uncertainties include the actual mass requirements in the portal areas and industrial zones, as well as the actual seabed conditions. These and other uncertainties will contribute to determining the total amount of masses available to the developers in the municipalities.

Agreement for the reception of stone masses

The Norwegian Coastal Administration will enter into agreements with project developers for the delivery of stone from the ship tunnel. The Norwegian Coastal Administration will adhere to the prioritization list and deliver as much stone as requested before moving on to the next on the list. There may be projects that do not receive all the stone masses they need, so it will be necessary to assess with the project developer whether they want the available quantity or not.

Note that the Stad project initially delivers all stone (blasted rock/unsorted) to recipients on land. If, for example, stone masses need to be delivered at sea, separate agreements must be made between the contractor and the project developer.

The project developers will bear all risks and costs associated with the stone masses delivered on land. This may include risks associated with (the list is not exhaustive):

• Having sufficient storage space available on land and not delaying the unloading of the stone.
• Having all necessary public permits approved, including those for the landfill, neighbour relations, noise, etc., to prevent delays in unloading.
• Uncertainty when the stone is delivered since this depends on the general contractor’s work plan.
• The project does not have enough stone for the initiative.