The Norwegian Coastal Administration has revised the estimated cost for the Stad ship tunnel to 8.6 billion kroner, a decrease from the previous estimate of 9.4 billion kroner. Despite this reduction, the new figure remains significantly above the budget approved by the Norwegian parliament (Stortinget). Fisheries and Ocean Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss expressed concern that the project cannot be executed within the allocated financial framework approved by the Stortinget.

The parliament had originally set a price-adjusted budget cap of 5.4 billion kroner for the construction of the Stad ship tunnel. The government has suspended work on the project in its proposed budget for 2026, primarily due to the inability to stay within the budget limits and the assessment that the project's benefits do not justify the high costs involved. This decision reflects a critical review of the project's feasibility given the substantial financial overruns beyond what had been legislated.

Following a parliamentary majority request during the throne speech debate, the government has tasked the Norwegian Coastal Administration with concluding negotiations to clarify the final project costs and identify potential cost-reducing measures. The Norwegian Coastal Administration is currently engaging in this process, and the government will evaluate their findings to determine the next steps regarding the Stad ship tunnel's future funding and development.