STUVA Conference 2025 in Hamburg: Three days of innovation and sustainability
The CCH Awakens – and with It the Tunnel World of the STUVA Conference
Tuesday morning in Hamburg, just before 9 a.m. Outside, dawn has barely broken, yet thousands of participants are already streaming toward the Congress Center Hamburg for the STUVA Conference 2025. Two years of waiting have finally come to an end. At exactly 9 a.m., STUVA’s outgoing Chairman of the Board, Univ. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Ziegler, steps onto the stage in Hall 1 and opens the conference with a view beyond the horizon: Hamburg as the “Gateway to the World,” a city of progress, tolerance, and openness – the perfect place not only to discuss the future but to put it on track. And those who know the industry understand that it’s no longer just about new construction using cutting-edge technology; it’s equally about upgrading and operating existing infrastructure – robust, efficient, and above all resource-conscious. Because the fight against human-induced climate change can only be won this way – through sustainable engineering and people who work on our shared future with expertise, courage, and vision.
The subsequent greeting from Dr. Anjes Tjarks, Hamburg’s Senator for Transport and Mobility Transition, arrives as a video message rather than in person, but its message is clear and aligned: Hamburg is delighted to host the STUVA Conference because the city is committed to sustainable mobility. Among many major infrastructure projects, Hamburg is currently building Germany’s most advanced metro line – fully automated, environmentally sound, and broadly supported by its citizens. The U5 is not just any project; it represents Hamburg’s mobile future. These shared goals unite the Hanseatic city and STUVA. The conference could not be more welcome here!
A Keynote with Depth: “AI Is Already Ahead of Us…”
Some presentations define a conference. The opening keynote by Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Manfred Spitzer was one of them: “Artificial Intelligence Is Already Ahead of Us. Will It Make Engineers Obsolete Tomorrow?” – a provocative question that framed his talk. Spitzer demystified the current hype around “AI” without diminishing its significance: for him, AI does not mean algorithms in the sense of rigid logic, nor “intelligence” in the human sense – but rather a kind of “machine intuition” that uncovers hidden patterns in vast datasets. There are plenty of examples: complex, non-computable games, deciphering cuneiform, protein folding, even brewing beer. Wherever patterns lie concealed, AI excels – often more than we do. But is it a threat to the engineering profession? Spitzer’s conclusion is both reassuring and challenging: AI will not replace experts, but experts who fail to embrace AI will – in almost every field – be replaced by those who do. For our industry, this means: engineers of flesh and blood will remain indispensable, but they must not shy away from using artificial intelligence as a powerful tool.
Parallel Sessions on Tunnel Construction and Tunnel Operation – Two Halls, One Shared Focus
After Prof. Spitzer’s keynote, participants split into parallel sessions – and it quickly became clear how strong the interest in both fields was. Two halls, different focal points, but one common goal: shaping the future of underground construction and operation.
The tunnel construction segment initially spotlighted major projects: railway tunnels, energy corridors, and new utility tunnels emerging as critical infrastructure. Later, the focus shifted to sustainability and CO₂ reduction – not as a buzzword, but as a tangible engineering challenge. Discussions ranged from the reuse of excavated material to the potential of geothermal energy and the role of steel fibre reinforcement in resource-efficient linings. Attentive listeners realized: this is about more than technology – it’s about a new self-concept for tunnelling, combining efficiency with environmental responsibility and embracing every technical innovation available.
The tunnel operation track was equally well attended. Topics spanned safety and risk mitigation, tunnel availability, and ventilation concepts – such as dew point control in the Saukopf Tunnel or cooling strategies for the Future Circular Collider in Geneva. Overarching all was the theme of digitalization: BIM, digital twins, AI-driven information processing, and robust communication networks.
A common thread linked both streams: sustainability and energy. Decarbonizing cement and concrete, ecologically assessed tunnel linings – these were not side issues but integral to strategic planning.
STUVA Award Goes to Hamburg’s U5 Project
This year’s STUVA Award goes to Hamburg’s U-Bahn project U5. With this prize, STUVA honors a project that exemplifies forward-looking mobility, sustainable construction, and collaborative partnership. As Germany’s largest metro project, U5 will create a powerful east-west link spanning roughly 25 kilometers with 22 stations. Its fully automated operation at 90-second intervals will establish vital new connections within the city’s transport network, offering up to 315,000 passengers per day fast, barrier-free, and reliable mobility.
Environmental protection is a top priority in this flagship project, with CO₂ emissions embedded as a key evaluation criterion from planning through execution. U5 sets new benchmarks for ecologically responsible, low-emission infrastructure. For the first time in Germany, steel fibre-reinforced segments will be used in this project. Combined with low-emission materials, optimized construction methods, and rigorous CO₂ monitoring, the new metro line becomes a cornerstone of Hamburg’s climate protection strategy.
Young Forum: A Thrilling Contest Among Emerging Engineers
Late Tuesday afternoon, the stage belonged to the next generation: five young professionals presented their own projects in the “Young Forum” and faced the verdict of an expert audience. It was no easy choice – all five candidates delivered impressively prepared talks. Julia Middendorf, Simon Böhmer, Robin Senyüz, Annika Stopp, and Dr. Gabriel Lehmann competed with highly engaging presentations. In the end, Dr. Gabriel Lehmann prevailed. His confident lecture on “TBM Excavation in Hard Rock: Rock Preconditioning with Microwaves” – as Head of Geotechnics at Herrenknecht AG – rightly captivated the audience. The concept: selective heating to create micro- and macro-cracks in the rock, significantly weakening and pre-damaging it. In test campaigns with over 1,500 samples, strength was reduced by up to 60%. Theoretically, this could boost advance rates and reduce wear.
“I’ve Been Talking Nonstop for Two Days. Wonderful!”
Alongside the presentations, the STUVA Expo was buzzing in Hall H, directly adjacent to the CCH, covering around 7,000 m². Here, 182 exhibitors showcased what they have to offer the industry – from machinery manufacturers to specialist foundation engineering and service providers. For two days, the hall hummed like a beehive. Everywhere you looked, people were engaged in conversation – nonstop for two full days. At times, it was almost impossible to get through; yet smiles remained, because so many customer contacts make people happy. One exhibitor summed it up at the STUVA counter: “I’ve been talking nonstop for two days. Wonderful!”
Exhibitors could count themselves lucky to have secured a stand at all. Some interested companies had to be deferred to the next trade fair in two years’ time in Munich.
STUVA-YEP Back with Its Own Booth
Naturally, the STUVA Forum for Young Engineering Professionals (STUVA-YEP) was once again present with its own booth at the Expo. Founded only in 2017, this young professionals’ organization has achieved a great deal in its eight years and continues to grow rapidly. Today, it counts around 470 registered members – and rising. Through regular events such as workshops and site visits, STUVA-YEP provides a platform for networking and exchanging experiences, both professionally and personally, among young engineers. New members are always welcome. Membership is free and open to aspiring professionals in German tunnelling or related sectors up to the age of 35 (those interested can simply send an email to yep@stuva.de).
Gala Evening: Champagne Reception, Full House, and Keller Bar Until Late
As evening fell, the rhythm changed: first, a stylish champagne reception in the impressive CCH foyer – hosted by Socotec – before the gala dinner began. Fully booked, with an atmosphere blending relaxed sociability and professional exchange over a fine meal. And because traditions endure at STUVA, the legendary Keller Grundbau bar opened later. Some discussions work best in the morning, others deepen at night; Hamburg offered both.
Day Two: Packed Halls Despite a Short Night
Anyone fearing that the long evening would dampen morning energy was proven wrong. On Wednesday, both lecture halls were well attended early on. The mechanical tunnelling track kicked off with insights into spectacular projects: the Woodsmith Mine (long TBM drives, deep steel-lined shafts), the Brenner Base Tunnel (comparing exploratory adits with main tunnel tubes), and variable-density machines with small diameters (Ibbenbüren) and large ones (Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel).
Meanwhile, in the operations hall, the digital thread tightened: BIM, digital twins, AI – but with a practical focus. Topics included real-time information processing, robust communication networks, and lessons learned across project phases – not just tools, but processes. Later, fire protection and emergency management took center stage: DAUB recommendations, group evacuation trials, analytical proofs per ZTV ING. This is the kind of program that sparks ideas – for guidelines, planning, and construction sites.
In the afternoon, the spotlight returned to Hamburg, both regionally and strategically: underground construction in the city with U5 Mitte and U5 Ost, TBM launch structures, diaphragm walls, and underwater concrete; plus ElbX with 4.8 bar hyperbaric conditions and safety measures, and the district heating tunnel under the Elbe with an EPB TBM. Hamburg showed what it can do – when approached with foresight: complex construction, tight schedules, and orchestrated interfaces.
Then suddenly it was 6:00 p.m., and the presentations were over. The last talk, the last thought. Now it’s back to waiting two years – until the next conference. One person, however, received the final applause: Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Martin Ziegler is stepping down after 22 years as STUVA’s Chairman of the Board. Of course, at STUVA, you never really leave, so he will remain as an honorary board member. His successor is Dipl.-Ing. Tim Dahlmann-Resing, a long-standing board member who knows STUVA inside out. An experienced practitioner, he will assume the role of host at the next STUVA Conference. The STUVA team thanks Prof. Ziegler for his many years of warm leadership and wishes Mr. Dahlmann-Resing great joy and success in his new role.
Day Three: Hands-On Technology – In-Depth
Excursions After two days of exhibition halls and lecture rooms, the third day brought a complete change: off with the business suit, on with the boots! Carefully curated technical excursions awaited those lucky enough to secure one of the coveted spots. Participants enjoyed exclusive tours of major construction sites and projects – some in areas normally off-limits – always guided by project managers, many of whom had attended the conference themselves. Highlights included the final structural works of the U4 Horner Geest extension, the first sites of the U5 mega-project, the XFEL/DESY particle accelerator, the segment tunnel of the ElbX crossing as part of SuedLink, and more. The most elaborate tour, with a 2.5-hour bus ride, took participants to the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel megaproject, visiting both the German and Danish construction sites. When this group returned to Hamburg in the evening, the 2025 STUVA Conference was officially over.
A Heartfelt Thank You to All Sponsors and Supporters of STUVA 2025!
As in previous years, the STUVA Conference 2025 was supported by numerous companies and organizations. Special thanks go to all sponsors for their committed and reliable support. STUVA also warmly thanks the exhibitors for their participation in the STUVA Expo and the companies that provided participants with practical and highly exclusive insights during the excursions. Particularly noteworthy is the sponsorship of tickets for students from Hamburg universities, initiated and organized by STUVA-YEP. Thanks to the generosity of several companies, many students were able to attend the conference free of charge this year. We extend our sincere thanks – also on behalf of the next generation of professionals.
After STUVA 2025 Comes STUVA 2027
As always, the three days of the STUVA Conference in Hamburg flew by in a flash. Now it’s time to return to day-to-day business and start developing new topics for the next event. Fortunately, the location and date of the next STUVA Conference are already set. For everyone who can hardly wait, here is the announcement for the next STUVA Conference in Munich 2027: It will take place from 8 to 10 December 2027 at Messe München. We look forward to continuing the professional exchange and are already excited about STUVA 2027 in Munich – save the date!
