The Shetland Islands Council is proposing a network of undersea tunnels to link the islands and potentially replace existing ferry services [1].

This project represents a significant shift in regional infrastructure. By moving away from a reliance on ferries, the council aims to provide a more reliable and cheaper long-term transport solution for residents and businesses in the remote archipelago [2].

The Shetland Islands comprise approximately 100 islands, with 16 of them being inhabited [5]. The current transit system relies on aging ferries that the council seeks to modernize through fixed links. One specific proposal includes a 4.2-mile undersea tunnel [6].

Financial estimates for the project vary widely across reports. Some figures suggest the council is seeking £2 billion in taxpayer funding for the network [1], while other estimates place the cost at £1.5 billion [2]. Conversely, some council leaders have discussed a smaller £400 million package [3], and a specific 4.2-mile tunnel proposal is estimated at £402 million [4].

Feasibility studies and the initial proposal for these tunnels were reported in 2024 [1]. The council is evaluating whether the high initial capital investment is justified by the reduction in long-term operational costs associated with maintaining a ferry fleet.

The proposed network would fundamentally change how the 16 inhabited islands interact, reducing the impact of weather-related ferry cancellations, a frequent issue in the North Atlantic.

“The Shetland Islands Council is proposing a network of undersea tunnels to link the islands”

The transition from maritime to subterranean transport in Shetland reflects a broader global trend of replacing vulnerable ferry links with permanent infrastructure to ensure economic stability. If approved, the project would mitigate the isolation of inhabited islands during severe weather, though the vast discrepancy in cost estimates suggests the project's scope remains subject to significant political and financial negotiation.