Tunnelling started on National Grid’s Grain to Tilbury project yesterday after UK energy minister Michael Shanks launched the TBM in Essex.
A Ferrovial BEMO joint venture will operate the 271.5 tonne machine to construct a 2.2km tunnel from Essex to Kent, beneath the River Thames as part of National Grid’s Great Grid Upgrade. The new tunnel will replace the nearly 50-year-old Thames Cable Tunnel
Following a competition involving local schools, the Herrenknecht TBM was named after Caroline Haslett, a pioneering electrical engineer and prominent advocate for women in engineering. She was a founding force within the Women’s Engineering Society.
National Grid and its project partners are working with local schools to promote science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education and highlight career opportunities in the energy industry. In collaboration with contractors, the project team is developing enterprise and careers hubs, volunteering initiatives and programmes designed to support local skills development and create pathways into employment.
Currently, 76 people from the local area are working on the project, alongside 15 local businesses that are helping to deliver key elements of the work and supporting the wider supply chain.
The project plans to support 22 apprenticeships and multiple graduate roles, while students will have the opportunity to take part in three-week work experience placements.
Energy minister Michael Shanks said described the tunnel as a “major engineering project” and part of the biggest upgrade in Great Britain’s electricity network in a generation.
“Not only will this boost jobs and growth, but it will help get lower cost home-grown clean power to homes and businesses and get us off the rollercoaster of fossil fuel markets,” he said.
Ferrovial BEMO JV project director Borja Trashorras said TBM Caroline’s launch was a major achievement for the joint venture.
“As tunnelling begins, my thanks and congratulations go to everyone whose hard work has achieved this milestone so swiftly with efficiency and excellence,” said Trashorras.
Herrenknecht board member Ulrich Schaffhauser gave his best wishes to the team.
“River crossings are key in grid construction, and safety comes first in shaft and tunnel works. In addition to the VSM, which has safely sunk the launch shaft, we are proud to deliver a tailor-made mixshield TBM for the cable tunnel,” he said.
Tim Self, careers leader at St John’s Catholic Comprehensive, welcomed the project’s education initiatives.
“The team have provided wonderful support and direction, challenging our students with real-world issues that strengthens their confidence and determination to succeed,” he said.
“Opportunities like this help bring learning to life, give young people insight into the world of work, and show them the range of careers that could be open to them in the future.”
