Sarens has successfully completed the removal of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) from the Annacis Water Supply Tunnel Project in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada.
The complex operation was carried out for Traylor Aecon as part of a major infrastructure project aimed at improving the reliability and capacity of the region’s water supply system. Once complete, the project will help secure clean drinking water for more than 2.7 million residents.
The task involved removing the TBM cutting head, which weighed around 250,000 pounds (113 tonne), from a confined site with active surrounding traffic. The lift was performed at a radius of approximately 25 feet (7.62 metre), requiring detailed planning and precise execution.
During the planning phase, Sarens’ engineers focused on key factors including crane line length, capacity calculations and the design of engineered lift points on the TBM. An LTM 1400 crane was selected for the job, operating with its main boom only, due to its suitability for heavy lifts in restricted environments.
The crane and counterweights were transported from Surrey to New Westminster using four to five trucks, with the journey taking about 40 minutes. Once on site, equipment setup took eight hours before a four-person Sarens crew carried out the lift.
Despite tight working conditions and logistical challenges, the operation was completed safely and efficiently. The successful removal highlights Sarens’ technical capability and experience in managing complex lifting projects.
The completion of this work marks an important milestone for the Annacis Water Supply Tunnel Project, which plays a critical role in ensuring a stable, long-term water supply for communities across British Columbia.
With decades of experience and a global fleet of high-capacity equipment, Sarens continues to be trusted to deliver complex lifting and transport solutions on major infrastructure projects worldwide.