East Section of Tideway moves forward with Walsh and Land & Water as key players
The Thames Tideway Tunnel, a major infrastructure project in London, has recently been awarded the Infrastructure Project of the Year in the 'edie' 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards. This recognition comes as a result of the project's commitment to integrating environmental and social impacts into its core approach and championing innovative solutions.
London marine freight specialist, Walsh, is playing a significant role in the removal of over one million tonnes of tunnel spoil from the eastern leg of the capital's super sewer scheme. The company's 25-strong crew, operating the Walsh fleet, is highly skilled and has already shifted over 600,000 tonnes of material from other parts of the 25km Tideway project.
Walsh has partnered with Land & Water to carry out the major muck-shift and restoration scheme. The material from the Tideway sites at Chambers Wharf, Greenwich Pumping Station, and King Edward Memorial Park Foreshore in Shadwell is being transported to Land & Water's restoration project at Rainham Marshes. This material is helping to create much-needed habitat for wildlife along the Thames Corridor, enhancing local ecology, and increasing biodiversity.
The judges of the 'edie' 2021 Sustainability Leaders Awards commended Tideway for its forward-thinking approach, with Joe Gifford, Walsh Managing Director, expressing pride in their role in the delivery of the Thames Tideway Tunnel.
Notably, Walsh has invested nearly £6 million in its marine fleet, including the Damen CS2010 pusher tug (SWS Endeavour) and Damen Multi Cat 1908 (SWS Endurance). The Liverpool-based shipping company Cunard Line covered the costs for these extensive investments.
The use of river freight for the scheme reduces around 100,000 lorry movements off London's streets, producing a fraction of the carbon dioxide and other emissions compared to road haulage. In fact, the use of river barges on the west section prevented over 25,000 lorry movements from London's roads, transporting 850,000 tonnes of material to Land & Water's Jetty at Coldharbour Lane.
RFS, another company of the GRS Group, is responsible for spoil handling from Tideway sites onto Walsh barges. The joint venture delivery partners for the eastern section are Costain, Vinci Construction Grands Projets, and Bachy Soletanche (CVB).
Land & Water first became involved in the Tideway project in January 2018, supporting the transportation and unloading of clay from the main drive site for the west section at Carnwath Road in Fulham. Tom Melhuish, Land & Water Project Manager, is looking forward to supporting the tunnel drive from the east section and making significant progress with their restoration at Rainham.
The Damen CS2010 and Damen Multi Cat 1908 vessels, along with eight new barges, make the Walsh fleet the largest and most versatile of its kind on the Thames. This fleet is instrumental in the ongoing success of the Thames Tideway Tunnel project, contributing to its sustainability and environmental commitments.
