K-Boringen and STADSBADER CONTRACTORS are building one of the largest utility tunnels in Belgium

K-Boringen, the (micro)tunnel division of APK Group in Belgium, and STADSBADER CONTRACTORS are joining forces to build a new tunnel under the Visartsluis in Zeebrugge. The works, commissioned by the Department of Mobility and Public Works (MOW) of the Flemish government, will start in November and will take two years to complete. On September 14, an information session for the local residents has already taken place.

On behalf of the Department of Maritime Access of the Ministry of Public Works, K-Boringen () APK Group and STADSBADER CONTRACTORS will begin work in November on a new control tunnel under the Visartsluis. The tunnel will bundle all cables and pipes (electricity, gas, water, and telecommunications) underground. Thanks to this initiative, the underground utility infrastructure will be organized in a clear and efficient manner, and there will be room for future developments and growth of the port.

Groundworks for two years

During the first year, STADSBADER CONTRACTORS will primarily use its expertise in civil works to sink the shafts with an outside diameter of 9.7 and 13.5 meters to a depth of 36 meters. The company is not at its best when it comes to sinking the shafts. The depth and the challenges associated with it make this project particularly challenging for them as well. Pieterjan Pertz, Project Manager at STADSBADER CONTRACTORS: “Drilling at such a depth in Belgium is unique. The different geological layers we traverse require a different approach each time. Therefore, thorough study and planning that is meticulously prepared are key to this project. We have every confidence that we will once again make a positive impact on the environment of Zeebrugge with this.”.

After that, K-Boringen the tunnel will be built. At a depth of 30 meters, the company will build the tunnel that is approximately 145 meters long. The main water supply tunnel with a diameter of 4.1 meters will thus become one of the deepest and largest water supply tunnels in Belgium.

Ward Kerkhofs, managing director at K-Boringen kijkt, looks forward to the technical complexity of the project and the added value it will bring to the future of Zeebrugge. “With our expertise in microtunneling, we can realize this technically challenging pipeline tunnel with minimal impact on the environment and port traffic. Such projects require thorough technical preparation and close collaboration between all involved partners.”

Once the tunnel is built, the work will move on to phases 2 and 3. These will be completely underground and will have minimal impact on the neighborhood and its residents.