Case Study

Energising London: Delivering Expert Tunnelling Solutions for the London Power Tunnels Phase 2

The London Power Tunnels (LPT) Phase 2 is a landmark project for National Grid, designed to rewire South London and ensure a reliable energy supply for the capital. Spanning from May 2021 to March 2024, this phase involved the construction of 17km of new tunnels.

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Client

National Grid

Main Contractor

Hochtief Murphy Joint Venture

Date

May 2021 to March 2024

Equipment

Twin bore 8.1m diameter Herrenknecht EPM TBM

Tunnel Information

2 x 3m ID Herrenknecht EPB TBM’s drives.

3km New Cross to Kings Avenue
1km drive from New Cross to Eltham

Testimonial

“Tunnelcraft have played a key role in London Power Tunnels Phase 2″

“Supporting HOCHTIEF-MURPHY Joint Venture over the past 2 years in a collaborative and professional manner with the construction of 17 km of tunnels across the south of London.

All to a very good quality, on programme and always striving to the highest safety standards despite many challenges faced along the way such as Covid 19, Brexit and unexpected contamination and underground obstructions to name a few.”

Santiago Daniele

Project Director HMJV

Overview

Specifically, the Hochtief Murphy Joint Venture (HMJV) task involved critical drives using two 3m ID Herrenknecht EPB TBMs, covering a 3km stretch from New Cross to Kings Avenue and a 1km drive from New Cross to Eltham. To navigate the complexities of tunnelling through dense urban environments, HMJV required a resilient and highly skilled workforce capable of maintaining momentum under challenging external conditions.

The Challenge

Delivering a project of this scale required more than just technical skill; it required resilience against significant global and local disruptions. The project faced a “perfect storm” of obstacles, including:

Specialised Precision: Operating smaller-diameter (3m) TBMs, which requires specific expertise in confined space operations and precision segment installation.

External Disruptions: Navigating the logistical and health constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic and the shifting labour market post-Brexit.

Geological Obstacles: Confronting unexpected underground obstructions and soil contamination that threatened the programme’s timeline.

The Solution

Tunnelcraft acted as a key delivery partner, providing a comprehensive labour force that remained adaptable throughout the three-year project. Our approach focused on:

Quality Assurance: Maintaining a high standard of workmanship across all 17km of the wider project scope, ensuring the tunnels were delivered to the highest quality specifications and on programme.

Specialist Labour Supply: We deployed a full suite of tunnel-specific roles, including TBM Operators, Pit Bosses, and Lead Miners, alongside niche trades such as Caulkers and Leak Sealers to ensure the integrity of the tunnel lining.

Logistical & Lifting Excellence: Ensuring safe and efficient movement of materials through the supply of Locomotive Operators, Crane Supervisors, and Slinger/Signallers.

Collaborative Problem Solving: Working in close partnership with HMJV to maintain safety standards and productivity despite the unforeseen challenges of contamination and obstructions.