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PORR celebrates factory acceptance of the TBM in the SuedLink ElbX project

On 19 July 2024, the official factory acceptance of the Herrenknecht AG tunnel boring machine (TBM) specially manufactured for the SuedLink ElbX project took place at the Schwanau plant. The factory acceptance marks a decisive milestone in the preparations for tunnelling. The ceremonial handover took place in the presence of representatives of the transmission system operator TenneT TSO GmbH, Herrenknecht AG and the Tunnel ElbX consortium, consisting of PORR GmbH & Co. KGaA and Wayss & Freytag Ingenieurbau AG.

The TBM was handed over in the presence of representatives from the transmission system operator TenneT TSO GmbH, Herrenknecht AG and ARGE Tunnel ElbX, consisting of PORR GmbH & Co. KGaA and Wayss & Freytag Ingenieurbau AG.  

 

© TenneT TSO GmbH

The SuedLink ElbX project is a key element of the SuedLink grid expansion, a 700 km-long high-voltage direct current transmission line that runs from Brunsbüttel in Schleswig-Holstein to Großgartach in Baden-Württemberg. The Elbe crossing, a central component of the project, is being realised by ARGE Tunnel ElbX on behalf of TenneT TSO GmbH. The challenge is to build a tunnel that accommodates six 525 kV direct current cables over a length of five kilometres and at a depth of 20 metres in order to transmit wind energy from the north of Germany to the south.

700-tonne TBM digs for changing ground conditions

The TBM developed for the project is specially designed for the changing ground conditions under the Elbe and will work in mechanised tunnelling with segmental support. It is of the Mixshield type and is equipped with a multiple sealing system that protects it against the water pressure 20 metres below the Elbe. With a diameter of 4,900 mm, a length of 190 metres and a total weight of 700 tonnes, it will work its way through varying geological layers of clay, clay, peat, sand, gravel, stones and boulders.

‘The factory acceptance of the tunnel boring machine marks the start of the upcoming tunnelling work on the SuedLink ElbX project. We have thus not only reached a technical milestone, but also created a symbol of a good partnership. We are convinced that the cooperation with TenneT, Herrenknecht and Wayss & Freytag will contribute to the success of this challenging project,’ says Dr Thorsten Weiner, Head of Tunnelling and Authorised Signatory at PORR GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Preparations for tunnelling are in full swing

After factory acceptance, the machine will be dismantled in Schwanau and transported to Wewelsfleth in Schleswig-Holstein. The individual parts are lifted into the launch pit and reassembled there. Tunnelling is scheduled to start at the end of the year.

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