HISTORY
Eurolink Consortium

The Eurolink Consortium was established in the early 2000s as a temporary business association led by Impregilo S.p.A. (now part of Webuild), together with some of the largest Italian and international companies in the construction sector. The objective was to participate in the international tender for the design and construction of the Strait of Messina Bridge, one of the most ambitious infrastructures in Europe.
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Eurolink Consortium
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DETAILS
Eurolink Consortium
The Eurolink Consortium played a key role in a crucial phase of the Strait of Messina Bridge project history. Established as a temporary business association led by Impregilo S.p.A. (now Webuild), the consortium brought together some of the main Italian and European companies specialized in major infrastructure, maritime works, and advanced engineering systems.
In 2005, following the international tender called by Stretto di Messina S.p.A., Eurolink was awarded the contract for the project’s construction. The bid, evaluated as the most suitable from both technical and economic perspectives, included the definitive design and execution of works.
In detail, the initial tender value of 4.4 billion euros was reduced, due to the discount offered, by approximately 12% to 3.9 billion euros.
The General Contractor also assumed the technical risk of the project’s realization, making the tender an additional examination phase of the bridge’s preliminary design and its road and railway connections. All design specifications, technical and economic evaluations were confirmed by Eurolink.
In March 2006, the Temporary Business Association signed the contract assuming the obligation to realize the project; in addition to the lead partner Impregilo S.p.A. (now Webuild S.p.A.), the contract was also signed by the following partners:
- Sacyr S.A. (Spain)
- Società Italiana per Condotte d’Acqua S.p.A.
- Cooperativa Muratori & Cementisti-C.M.C. di Ravenna
- Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries CO Ltd. (Japan)
- A.C.I. S.c.p.a. – Consorzio Stabile.
Design was assigned to:
- Cowi A/S (Denmark)
- Buckland & Taylor Ltd. (Canada)
- Sund & Bælt A/S (Denmark)
The project involved the construction of a single-span suspension bridge of over 3,600 meters, a technological solution considered the most suitable to ensure both navigation continuity in the Strait and resistance to environmental and seismic factors.
The consortium immediately distinguished itself for its ability to integrate multidisciplinary expertise: from underwater foundations to anti-seismic techniques, from environmental monitoring to safety systems for rail and road traffic. This approach allowed for coordinated management of the numerous complexities of an unprecedented infrastructure.
In 2012, following the Monti Government’s decision to suspend the project, the contract with Eurolink was terminated, opening a legal dispute related to the non-execution of works. This event represented a significant development not only from an economic perspective but also for the institutional and technical reflection around the feasibility of the permanent link between Sicily and Calabria.
In 2023, with the subsequent project restart following Decree-Law 35/2023, the role played by the Eurolink Consortium continues to represent a reference in the project’s historical memory. Its experience testifies to the technical and industrial capabilities mobilized around an infrastructure of national and European importance, while also highlighting the decision-making and institutional complexity that has accompanied the Messina Bridge’s journey.
Eurolink Consortium Timeline
- 2006 – Eurolink wins the international tender called by Stretto di Messina S.p.A.
- 2009-2011 – Definitive design activities and procedures for work commencement continue.
- 2012 – The project is suspended. The contract is terminated and legal disputes begin.
- 2013-2022 – With legal disputes pending, the project is repeatedly discussed politically.
- 2023 – With DL No. 35/2023, the Government restarts the project and Stretto di Messina S.p.A.
NEWS
Eurolink Consortium
HIGHLIGHTS
Eurolink Consortium
EUROLINK
Diversified expertise of major national and international players in the construction and infrastructure sector.
DISCOVER +
MEMBERS
Network of international companies with multidisciplinary specializations and targeted know-how to ensure high quality standards.
DISCOVER +
EXPERTISE
Diversified expertise of major national and international players in the construction and infrastructure sector.