Modern supply networks liven up cities
The demand for clean water is growing

The demand for water is increasing worldwide: in agriculture, private households and industry, the demand for water will continue to rise in the future.

Water infrastructures are constantly growing

Investment in the supply and disposal of water is increasing. In 2025, spending worldwide will exceed US$1,000 billion.

We create direct connections to supply life above ground

Efficient supply and disposal systems are the indispensable arteries of modern cities. With Herrenknecht tunnelling technology, they grow beneath the surface almost unnoticed. 

Tunnel infrastructures run invisibly underground but are essential for social, economic and industrial life on the surface. So together with our customers we work to build tunnel structures for water, sewage, electricity and communication on all continents – trenchlessly and with minimal impact on nature and the environment. Every year in small communities, mid-sized towns and major cities or remote industrial regions, many kilometers of new supply and disposal lines are built using our tunnelling technology. Herrenknecht machines can cope with tight space constraints, can be used in all geologies and build high quality tunnel structures with maximum safety. Exactly where they are needed.

We provide structure underground

In almost a hundred countries, hundreds of kilometers of supply and disposal systems for water, sewage, electricity and communication have been built with our utility tunnelling machines. For your project this means:

  • vast experience and expertise
  • top technology of the highest quality
  • fully-customized, innovative solutions
  • smooth progress and expert troubleshooting
  • comprehensive service on- and off-site
  • close teamwork with all project partners
  • maximum reliability from start to finish

In short: we do everything to ensure your project runs as smoothly as possible while keeping to budget and to schedule.

Example Jobsite Overview

Safely creating efficient supply and disposal systems – even in the most confined spaces

1
Vertical Shaft Sinking Machine (VSM)

The VSM is sinking a target shaft – safely, quickly, and precisely. Thanks to its modular structure, the machine technology can also be used for inner-city projects with space constraints.


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2
AVN machine (pipe jacking)

The remote-controlled AVN Machine is drilling a tunnel for a new sewage pipeline beneath existing buildings. An AVND Machine provides controlled face support pressure and can be used if overburden is shallow or diameters large.


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3
EPB Shield (segmental lining)

An EPB Shield is being used to extend the sewage system in soft ground with low permeability. The excavated soil supports the tunnel face. Tunnel lining takes place immediately using watertight precast concrete segments.


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1
2
3

The VSM is sinking a target shaft – safely, quickly, and precisely. Thanks to its modular structure, the machine technology can also be used for inner-city projects with space constraints.


More information

The remote-controlled AVN Machine is drilling a tunnel for a new sewage pipeline beneath existing buildings. An AVND Machine provides controlled face support pressure and can be used if overburden is shallow or diameters large.


More information

An EPB Shield is being used to extend the sewage system in soft ground with low permeability. The excavated soil supports the tunnel face. Tunnel lining takes place immediately using watertight precast concrete segments.


More information

Economically and safely boring under the seabed

1
AVN machine (pipe jacking)

The remote-controlled AVN Machine installs protection pipes for drinking water pipelines using trenchless methods, providing drinking water directly to the population. AVN technology can be used in all geologies, with small overburdens and under groundwater.


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2
Pipe Thruster (Direct Pipe® method)

The Pipe Thruster transfers the necessary thrust force to the microtunnelling machine via the pipeline, installing intake and outfall pipelines safely and quickly far beneath the sea using the Direct Pipe® method.


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3
AVN machine (Direct Pipe® method)

The AVN Microtunnelling Machine connected on top of the pipeline excavates the soil and installs the seawater intake pipeline in one single work step. Subsequently, the machine is recovered from the sea.


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1
2
3

The remote-controlled AVN Machine installs protection pipes for drinking water pipelines using trenchless methods, providing drinking water directly to the population. AVN technology can be used in all geologies, with small overburdens and under groundwater.


More information

The Pipe Thruster transfers the necessary thrust force to the microtunnelling machine via the pipeline, installing intake and outfall pipelines safely and quickly far beneath the sea using the Direct Pipe® method.


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The AVN Microtunnelling Machine connected on top of the pipeline excavates the soil and installs the seawater intake pipeline in one single work step. Subsequently, the machine is recovered from the sea.


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Tunnelling technology for utility tunnelling

Learn more about our full range of tunnelling technology for your upcoming tunnel project.

AVN Machine
0.4–4.8m
Soft ground Heterogeneous ground Rock
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HDD Rig
0.2–2m (8–80")
Soft ground Rock
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Direct Pipe®
0.8–1.5m (30–60“)
Soft ground Heterogeneous ground Rock
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Vertical Shaft Sinking Machine (VSM)
4.5–18m
Soft ground Heterogeneous ground Rock
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Auger Boring Machine
0.1–1.4m
Soft ground Heterogeneous ground Rock
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View all products

Still got questions?

We are ready!

Steffen Dubé President and General Manager Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems USA Inc.
Gerhard Goisser Commercial Manager Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems USA, Inc.

Your contact person Contact us

Steffen Dubé President and General Manager Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems USA Inc.
Gerhard Goisser Commercial Manager Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems USA, Inc.