TBM Charlotte delivered for North West wastewater drive

The machine will undertake a 605 m, 1,800 mm diameter tunnel drive accessed via a 20 m deep shaft. The arrangement is on hire, with operational support provided on site.

Following contract agreement at the end of May, SPA visited site to align scope and responsibilities with the client’s contracts manager and project manager. A structured mobilisation plan followed, with regular coordination calls to confirm requirements and sequence. The client is experienced in tunnelling and underground works, which helped decisions move at pace while details were finalised.

Before shipment, a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) was carried out at Herrenknecht’s manufacturing facility in Germany. SPA’s Plant Manager met the engineers responsible for the build and followed a methodical test sequence to verify that each component and system met SPA and Herrenknecht performance and quality standards.

New equipment was shipped directly from Herrenknecht’s factory in Germany and delivered to site on six lorries, with separation equipment in place on site and a centrifuge supplied by SPA.

With testing complete and logistics concluded, TBM Charlotte now moves ahead in line with the programme, with a focus on safe setup and clear coordination.