Old Oak Common, HS2

The launch of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) at Old Oak Common was a critical phase in the delivery of HS2’s London tunnels. The scale and complexity of the TBM components required precise lifting, controlled underground transport, and an efficient launch process. Traditional scaffolding based systems would have been slower to install and operate, risking programme delays and increased costs.

Osprey implemented an integrated heavy lifting and transport solution designed to accelerate the TBM launch process.

A Liebherr LTM 1750 mobile crane, configured with its main boom, was deployed to carry out the heavy lifts required for TBM assembly and positioning during site possessions. This provided the lifting capacity and reach needed to handle large TBM components safely and efficiently.

Underground, Generation 5 Self Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) were used to manoeuvre TBM sections with precision within the confined tunnel environment. These units were fitted with Osprey’s bespoke modular push pull frame, engineered specifically for the project.

This system enabled the SPMTs to launch three TBM sections simultaneously over distances of up to 100 metres, significantly increasing efficiency compared with conventional methods.

The bespoke push pull system replaced traditional scaffold based launching arrangements. By integrating heavy lifting, precision transport, and custom engineering into a single coordinated operation, Osprey created a faster and more streamlined TBM launch methodology.