Dragages Hong Kong Limited is pleased to announce that the Hong Kong West Drainage Tunnel has been named Tunnelling Project of the Year (US$100 million to US$1 billion category) at the International Tunnelling Awards held in December 2011. This large-scale project is a joint venture between Dragages Hong Kong and Nishimatsu.

 
The highly respected International Tunnelling Awards are designed to recognise and reward excellence in the global tunnelling industry. The Hong Kong West Drainage Tunnel was awarded this honour in recognition of its design and execution under difficult circumstances, including the use of innovative and space-saving techniques. The judging panel consisted of 10 jurors from around the globe, including directors of railway blue chips, university professors and chairpersons of professional bodies.
 
“We are honoured to win this high-profile award,” remarked Nicolas Borit, Managing Director of Dragages Hong Kong Limited. “As a market leader in Hong Kong, Dragages constantly strives to set new standards for innovation and sustainability. The Hong Kong West Drainage Tunnel is a vital project for flood prevention in the northern part of Hong Kong Island and we are proud to have played a pivotal role in realising this complex infrastructure.”
 
“At 11 km and with diameter varying from 6.25m to 7.25m, the Hong Kong West Drainage Tunnel is the longest drainage tunnel in Hong Kong,” added Daniel Altier, Project Director, Dragages Hong Kong. “It embodies many technical firsts for a project in Hong Kong, including the largest hard rock Tunnel Boring Machine ever used in Hong Kong, extensive adoption of raise boring machines, and the installation of a precast ring down a 170-metre shaft. These innovative techniques not only helped keep the project on schedule, but also minimised the project’s environmental impact above ground and created a safer working environment.”
 
Alvin Chan (Adit Manager) and Cameron Chin (Construction Manager) were also shortlisted for the “Young Tunneller of the Year” Award. Dragages Hong Kong is proud to announce that, on the night, Alvin was awarded the title of “Highly Commended”.
 
When the Hong Kong West Drainage Tunnel is completed later this year, flood protection level in most areas of northern Hong Kong Island will then be able to withstand rainstorms with a return period of one in 50 years.
 
About Hong Kong West Drainage Tunnel:
Offering an innovative solution to Hong Kong’s seasonal flooding problems, the massive Hong Kong West Drainage Tunnel is designed to collect excess surface runoff from Mid-Levels and discharge it directly into the sea, thus bypassing the downstream urban area. More