Case Study

Navigating Complexity Under the Thames: Delivering the Silvertown Tunnel

The Silvertown Tunnel is a major Transport for London (TfL) project designed to ease chronic congestion at the Blackwall Tunnel and improve the reliability of the road network in East London.

Constructed between December 2021 and March 2024 by the Riverlinx CJV (a joint venture of Ferrovial, BAM Nuttall, and SK Ecoplant), the project featured a massive 11.8m diameter Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) TBM—the largest ever used in the UK at the time. Executing a 1,120-metre twin-bore drive through challenging geological conditions beneath the River Thames required a workforce of exceptional calibre and a supply partner with deep market expertise.

Client

Transport for London (TFL)

Main Contractor

Riverlinx CJV – Ferrovial/Bam Nuttall/SK ecoplant

Date

December 2021 to March 2024

Equipment

Twin Bore EPB TBM 11.8m diameter

Tunnel Length

1,120 metre drive

Testimonial

“Silvertown Tunnel has provided the second opportunity that I have worked with Tunnelcraft Ltd as specialist tunnel labour supplier with Tideway West as the first.”

Tunnelcraft are a cut above, they approach their work in a professional and even-handed manner and very much do what they say. There are able to provide market intelligence on the thorny issue of pay rates and are able to attract the right skill level in the labour that they provide to the contracts.

I and others have learnt to rely upon Jim Riordan and his team as straight talkers who provide trusted advice and a trusted work force to go with it.”

Ivor Thomas

Tunnel Project Manager Riverlinx CJV

The Challenge

The Silvertown Tunnel presented unique logistical and commercial hurdles that required more than just standard labour provision:

Large-Scale TBM Operations: Managing the UK’s largest TBM required highly experienced Operators and Miners capable of handling high-pressure, large-diameter excavations.

Complex Commercial Landscape: Navigating the “thorny issue” of competitive pay rates and labour availability in a saturated London infrastructure market.

Integration of SCL Works: The project required a dual-skilled workforce capable of both TBM operations and Sprayed Concrete Lining (SCL) for the complex tunnel portals and connections.

The Solution

Tunnelcraft acted as a trusted advisor and supplier to Riverlinx CJV, providing a workforce characterised by quality and reliability. Key aspects of the delivery included:

Market Intelligence & Advice: Provided “straight-talking” consultancy on market pay rates and labour trends, allowing the client to attract and retain the highest skill levels in the industry.

Specialised TBM & SCL Personnel: Deployed an elite team including TBM Operators, Lead Miners, and SCL Nozzlemen, ensuring the 11.8m diameter bores were executed with precision.

Support & Infrastructure Mastery: Supplied essential support staff, including Mechanical Fitters, Electricians, and Gantry Crane Operators, to ensure the massive logistical operation remained on track.

Reliability & Trust: Built on a proven track record (following successful collaboration on Tideway West) to provide a “trusted workforce” that delivered exactly what was promised.