Revamping Romanian Railways: Eastship Facilitates Key Transport for Landmark Tunnel Project
August 16, 2023
In June 2023, Eastship, a member of the Project Logistics Alliance in Romania, undertook a crucial transportation task involving Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) for the Ormeniș and Homorod tunnels. These tunnels, measuring seven and five kilometers, respectively, were being constructed to facilitate a high-speed railway in Romania. Capable of progressing at a remarkable rate of 15 meters per day, these colossal machines will be operational round the clock, six days a week. With such efficiency, the 7-kilometer tunnel is expected to reach completion within an impressive timeframe of 18 to 19 weeks, while the 5-kilometer tunnel is projected to be finished in approximately 14 to 15 weeks. Adding a touch of personalization, each Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) has been affectionately named after a girl - Alexa, Melinda, Evelina, and Katerina. The transportation of the TBMs was no small feat, as it involved a challenging 500-kilometer journey, with winding mountain roads posing as obstacles along the way.
Photo Credit: Eastship
Despite the difficulties, the skilled team at Eastship managed to execute the shipment successfully. They employed 9-axle low-bed trailers to carry the TBMs, which had a width exceeding 5.5 meters, ensuring a safe and efficient transportation process. Their extensive experience in handling such complex logistics played a significant role in maneuvering the TBMs to their destination, enabling the continuation of the ambitious tunnel construction project.
The project represents the initial phase of the most significant and ambitious endeavor in Romania's history to date. With a total budget of 70 million euros, the objective is to establish the Sighișoara-Brașov railway, stretching across 128 kilometers. This modern railway will enable passenger trains to reach speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, a remarkable improvement over the current maximum speed of only 40 kilometers per hour.
The project's inception dates back to 2020, when the Railway Company CFR SA and the Railworks consortium, comprising four reputable companies - Alstom, Arcada, Aktor, and Euroconstruct Trading 98 - came together to initiate the construction of this vital railway network. This extensive initiative encompasses the rehabilitation of three stations, the construction of seven bridges, and the erection of two overpasses. Additionally, the plan includes the installation of ten culverts and three viaducts.
The remaining Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) are scheduled for delivery in July, August, and September 2023, and their excavation work is set to commence in November. As the project progresses, it showcases Eastship's unwavering commitment to supporting the country's development and driving advancements in the transportation sector, thereby fostering growth within the logistics industry in Romania.
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