Tunnelling case Eems dronebeeld

Tunnel for a gas pipeline

To expand the European natural gas pipeline network, a new pipeline was needed from northern Germany to the Netherlands. This would require crossing the Eems River. Thanks to our 4,016-meter tunnel, with a diameter of 3 meters, a gas pipeline could be installed. Smet Group was responsible for constructing the machine and building the tunnel in collaboration with several partners.

  • Client: Gasunie Netherlands
  • Period: 2008–2010
  • Location: Eems River, Emden, Germany – Borgsweer, Netherlands
  • Solution: Tunnelling
  • Technique: Tunnel boring using concrete segments
Tunnelling case Eems binnen tunnel

Behind the Scenes

  • As part of the international joint venture AET, we are drilling a 4,016-meter tunnel under the Eems River at a depth of 24 meters.
  • The tunnel has an inner diameter of 3 meters and was bored using a hydro-shield machine with an outer diameter of 3.5 meters, specially adjusted to accommodate the varying soil conditions: from soft Wadden Sea sand and peat to highly compacted Pleistocene sand. After drilling, four steel gas pipes, each 1 km long, were inserted. The remaining space in the tunnel was filled with a watertight seal to permanently protect the pipeline.

A Sustainable Approach to the Project

  • SDG 7 – The tunnel is being built to provide infrastructure for high-pressure (80 bar) natural gas transmission between Germany and the Netherlands.
  • SDG 9 – A cross-border underground infrastructure project connecting two national gas networks.
    SDG 17 – The project was carried out through an international joint venture between Belgian, Dutch, and German partners.

Innovation

  • It is remarkable how quickly the tunnel was built. In just 8 months, we completed a 4,016-meter tunnel. This is the first tunnel in Europe with a diameter of more than 3 meters and a length of 4 km.
  • The “Amisia” TBM was specifically designed for the varying geology along the tunnel route. The combination of a hydro-shield and a custom-designed cutterhead made it possible to drill through both soft peat layers and highly compacted Pleistocene sand without having to switch equipment.