A ceremony in Singapore on January 19 marked the breakthrough of the running tunnels for Singapore Thomson-East Coast Line T209 Project, which are bored by two CREG 6.67m diameter Slurry TBMs.. Leading Singapore politicians and members of the client organization, LTA, joined representatives of the tunneling contractor China Railway No.5 Engineering Group, as well as representatives of TBM manufacturer CREG, and teams of tunnelers and project workers, to witness and celebrate the breakthrough of the fourth tunnel of this project.

The tunneling project involves several technical challenges such as massive amounts of underground water, high rock strength and uneven soft and hard ground. Together with LTA and with the support of local authorities, and tunneling contractor, CREG developed and manufactured two customized Slurry TBMs for the project. The close working relationship with the contractor and TBM supplier ensured the project quality and program. The first of the two Slurry TBM broke through in early December 2017, followed a couple of days later by its twin TBM. 

CREG’s technical assistance also plays an important role throughout the tunneling process. CREG has established his Singapore branch to render quick response and service. The package service includes assistance with TBM assembly, commissioning, reception, and disassembly. CREG team worked as a family with the contractor to guarantee safe, fast and efficient tunneling.
The General Manager of CREG Mr. Zhuo Puzhou delivered a speech at the official breakthrough ceremony on 19 January. Mr Zhuo said, “In recent years with the successful completion of T221, T216 and the first drive of T227, CREG has established a reputation as being among the leading TBM suppliers in Singapore. With T209 completed, Singapore will see more CREG TBMs for metro construction. We will organize our manufacturing in the most efficient and effective way to ensure equipment delivery and quality. CREG’s support also includes first-class technical supervision and after-sales service on jobsite rendered by its capable technical service team to ensure smooth project progress. ”

T209 tunnels are one of the successful proven projects by CREG’s Slurry TBM used abroad. The victory of this project has upgraded CREG’s competence in Singapore, and enhanced its reputation and influence in the neighboring markets. It marks an important step for CREG’s entry into high-end overseas markets. 

Present at the ceremony are Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Dr Koh Poh Koon, LTA GDRL Mr Sim Wee Meng, LTA Director Mr. Ng Kee Nam, Chairman of China Railway No.5 Engineering Group Mr. Zhang Huijia, Deputy General Manager Mr. Liu Shaolin, General Manager of CREG Mr. Zhuo Puzhou, Deputy General Manager Mr. Zhang Zhiguo, Senior Consultant Miss Han Yali.