Chinese-made TBM Exported to Solomon Islands for First Time
On February 17th, 2025, Tunnel boring machine "Shuangjing No.1" with an excavation diameter of 4.48 meters was off the production line at the second industrial park of China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Corporation Limited (CRCHI) in Changsha. It will be applied for the construction of the diversion tunnel at the Tina Hydropower Station in the Solomon Islands. This marks the first export of a Chinese-made TBM to the Solomon Islands.
Chinese-made Tunnel Boring Machine Exported to the Solomon Islands for the First Time
The Tina Hydropower Station diversion tunnel in the Solomon Islands spans approximately 3.2 kilometers, primarily passing through gravel and sandstone strata. The project encounters several engineering challenges, including long-distance tunneling, crossing fractured zones, and high-pressure water conditions during excavation.
To address these challenges, the development team implemented several targeted designs. These include a composite cutter head for hard rock strata, substantial reserves of thrust and torque, an integrated pressurized manlock, intensive back-up support, and an advanced geological prediction system. These features enhance the shield machine's robust adaptability to various geological conditions.
The Tina Hydropower Station, located in the Malango region of Guadalcanal Province in the Solomon Islands, is the largest hydropower project currently under construction in the Islands. Upon completion, the Tina Hydropower Station will meet 68% of the electricity demand of the capital city Honiar, benefiting over 100,000 residents and promoting local economic and social development.
