HPH consortium has successfully tunnelled under the Panama Canal.
TBM Panama, a 13.5m-diameter Herrenknecht machine, broke through at the Balboa jobsite this month. The TBM was launched in September 2024 and now 1.5km of the new subway tunnel remain to be completed before the final breakthrough.
The approximately 4.5km tunnel is the key structure of the new metro Line 3, which will connect the western suburbs and downtown Panama City. It will provide a rail alternative to the road bridge currently used by 150,000 commuters a day. Traffic congestion means the 25km journey can take several hours.
“For thousands of residents, this first section is a concrete sign that the promised future is approaching, with fast and safe mobility,” said Metro Panama director César Pinzón.
HPH, comprising Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Posco Engineering & Construction and Hyundai Engineering, had to adhere to strict specifications for tunnelling under the Panama Canal to ensure the waterway remained operational. The tunnel lies over 60m below sea level and was bored through complex geology with high groundwater pressure.
In October last year, the mix shield TBM Panama achieved a peak monthly performance, advancing 300m and installing 150 segment rings.
