Kreate enters Norway – agreement signed for innerlining in Gullberg tunnel

Kreate Sweden has entered into an agreement with Skanska Norway AS regarding tunnel lining works for the Gullberg Tunnel and, as an option, the Hårberg Tunnel within the OPS Hålogaland Road project. The total contract value, including the option, amounts to NOK 68 million, approximately EUR 6.5 million. Kreate will record the order in its order backlog for the first quarter.

OPS Hålogaland Road is the largest road project ever in Northern Norway and is being built entirely along a new route. The project, carried out by Skanska Norway AS, includes approximately 82 kilometers of new highway, 22 bridges, and seven tunnels with a total length of 27 kilometers. The new road will connect the regions of Ofoten, Lofoten, Vesterålen, and southern Troms more closely, reducing travel time by 40 minutes, improving traffic safety, and lowering emissions.

Kreate is expanding in the tunnel lining market – strong expertise grows from Sweden to Norway

Kreate has systematically implemented its growth strategy in Sweden. Winning the tunnel lining contract in the OPS Hålogaland Road project represents a significant step for the company.

– We have grown into the largest player in tunnel lining in Sweden. When the opportunity arose to continue the company’s strong development in Norway, we did not hesitate to take on another Nordic country with similar expertise, says Kenneth Wahlqvist, CEO of Kreate Sweden AB.

In Norway, several major tunnel projects are ongoing and planned for the coming years.

– The volume of tunnel construction in Norway is 5–10 times greater than in Sweden, which means there will be a substantial amount of lining work for a long time ahead, says Wahlqvist.

The possibility of a permanent establishment in Norway is being explored

The agreement entered into by Kreate Sweden is a natural continuation of Kreate’s expansion in Sweden.

– We are initiating the work through Kreate Sweden’s branch, but we are exploring the possibility of establishing a subsidiary in Norway under Kreate Sweden AB, says Timo Vikström, CEO of Kreate Group.

This serves as a strategic step and an entry into the market, while also supporting the company’s long-term growth strategy.

– Norway is not an easy market, but with the right competence portfolio and carefully selected projects, it is a suitable place to scale up our competitiveness in a similar market. We strongly believe in Kreate’s concept and our technical expertise. We have successfully competed with both Swedish and Norwegian players in Sweden – why wouldn’t we do the same in Norway, says Vikström.

Work begins in spring 2026

The assignment awarded to Kreate includes, among other things, drilling and installation of bolts, installation of drainage mats near the tunnel portals, installation of a waterproof membrane, and reinforcement prior to shotcrete application. In total, Kreate will carry out approximately 90,000 square meters of tunnel lining. Skanska Norway is responsible for the shotcrete work.

Work will begin after Easter 2026, and both projects are expected to be completed in autumn 2026.