The Ferrovial BEMO joint venture (JV) has deployed Europe’s largest-diameter Vertical Shaft Sinking Machine (VSM) at Tilbury in Essex, England, as part of the National Grid’s 'Grain to Tilbury' project.
Designed and built by Herrenknecht, the new machinery is being used to support the construction of a 2.2km-long 400kV high-voltage cable tunnel that will replace the existing 1960s Thames Cable Tunnel between Tilbury and Gravesend.
The construction also covers two shafts, one with a diameter of 15m and the other with a diameter of 12m, each reaching a depth of 35m.
Additional works involve headhouses and cable sealing end compounds.
The construction method involving the use of the VSM is designed specifically for shaft building in the UK.
It is intended to enhance safety, increase speed, and reduce environmental impact compared to previous practices.
The VSM will begin work at Tilbury and later move to Gravesend.
The machine works in a slurry environment that balances slurry levels with groundwater, reducing the risk of water ingress and supporting continuous operation through complex ground conditions.
The Grain to Tilbury project is part of the Great Grid Upgrade, a wider programme aimed at modernising the UK’s electricity network.
The project is expected to facilitate the transmission of electricity from cleaner energy sources across the country.
The VSM machine has been named 'Verena' after Verena Holmes, known for her role as the first female member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
The JV between Ferrovial Construction and BEMO and is responsible for delivering this phase of construction.
This February, Ferrovial secured a £230m ($300.3m) contract from National Grid for the Grain to Tilbury electricity infrastructure upgrade project. The works will continue until the first quarter (Q1) of 2029.
Ferrovial BEMO JV project director Borja Trashorras said: “Launching Europe’s largest-diameter Vertical Shaft Sinking Machine at Tilbury is a milestone achievement for our team and for UK infrastructure.
"This technology allows us to deliver the Grain to Tilbury project with enhanced safety, efficiency, and environmental performance.
“We’re proud to be working in partnership with National Grid and Herrenknecht to bring this pioneering solution to life, helping to futureproof the electricity network for generations to come.”
