K-Boringen is constructing Belgium's longest microtunnel for the prestigious ECLUSE II project
An important milestone for K-Boringen and for the ECLUSE II project: our tunnel boring machine, which will excavate this exceptional microtunnel, has arrived in Antwerp. From the end of March, our team of experts will start pipe jacking under the Scheldt River, between Waaslandhaven on the Left Bank and Evonik on the Right Bank, via two shafts prepared by partner Jan De Nul. Using 322 pipes of 42 tonnes each, we are creating a tunnel that provides space for two steam pipes, a central maintenance path and additional capacity for future pipes and cables. In a subsequent phase, we will realise another shorter tunnel towards Evonik. A challenging and innovative synergy project, to which we are happy to dedicate our craftsmanship!
“Each tube is 4 metres long and weighs 42 tonnes. This means that transport from the factory in Germany to Antwerp has to be done under police escort and can only take place within specific time windows. Therefore, we are providing an additional storage site in the Netherlands to remain flexible.” - Ward Kerkhofs, K-Boringen
ECLUSE supplies residual heat via a steam network to surrounding port companies. In Doel, Indaver and Sleco process one million tonnes of waste annually in their waste-to-energy plant. The resulting heat is converted into steam, which can then be used for various processes in the chemical sector. Currently, the ECLUSE II project supplies this steam to five companies in the Waaslandhaven, on the left bank of the Scheldt. With the construction of a new tunnel, this renewable energy will now also be available to companies on the right bank, starting with Evonik Antwerp. Currently, Evonik still meets its steam needs by burning natural gas. By connecting to ECLUSE, the company can significantly reduce its fossil fuel consumption, up to 100,000 to 150,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
A Belgian pioneer in microtunnelling technology, K-Boringen has established a ground-breaking reputation as a strong partner in trenchless techniques. With projects of private and public clients in their portfolio, the Hasselt-based K-Boringen draws well beyond the country's borders, but for this progressive infrastructure project they are playing a home game again. “We hope to have the long bore under the Scheldt ready by the end of the summer and complete the short bore towards Evonik in October, so that we will leave Antwerp completely this year,” Ward concludes.
