The marine operations for the installation of the submerged tunnels for the Messina Strait Crossing

The paper deals with the marine operations relevant to the installation of the all Messina Strait Crossing tunnel components. Reference is made to the tunnel modules both on the landfalls and offshore, to their tether mooring system, to the piled drilling templates and to the landfall construction activities, including the trenching and backfilling. The installation methods have been studied following well proved techniques utilised in the offshore industry. The description of the main naval means and equipment is also provided, with particular emphasis to some innovative vessels, whose construction is justified by the work complexity and long duration.