Thames Tideway Tunnel: Greenwich

Supporting One of the UK’s Largest Infrastructure Projects

Abbey Hose supported the delivery of the Thames Tideway Tunnel by supplying high-performance hydraulic hose assemblies and responsive on-site support to tunnelling contractors. Our bespoke solutions ensured the reliable operation of critical plant and tunnel boring equipment, helping to minimise downtime and keep this major infrastructure project progressing safely and efficiently. Here, we take a closer look at the project and how Abbey Hose contributed to keeping essential tunnelling equipment running efficiently.

Project Overview

The Thames Tideway Tunnel is one of the most significant civil engineering projects ever undertaken in the UK. Spanning 25 kilometres beneath London, the tunnel was designed to modernise the capital’s Victorian sewer system and dramatically reduce sewage pollution in the River Thames.

Construction began in 2016, with the system becoming fully operational in 2024 at a total cost of approximately £5 billion. The project intercepts 34 of the most polluting combined sewer overflows, preventing millions of tonnes of untreated sewage from entering the river each year.

The Greenwich Section

A key component of the scheme is the Greenwich Connection Tunnel, a 4.5km section linking Greenwich to Bermondsey. The Tideway site at Greenwich Pumping Station forms a key part of the connection tunnel works, located within an existing operational Thames Water facility.

This Greenwich Connection Tunnel plays a crucial role in:

Diverting sewage flows away from the River Thames
Connecting local sewer networks into the main tunnel system
Supporting the overall efficiency and environmental performance of the network

The Greenwich works involved deep excavation, shaft construction, and precision tunnelling through complex ground conditions typical of East London. The site was carefully integrated into live infrastructure, ensuring that it will continue to operate as a Thames Water asset once construction is complete. The works also required consideration of the surrounding urban environment, with measures such as acoustic enclosures enabling continuous tunnelling while minimising disruption to local communities.

Engineering Challenges

Delivering the Tideway Tunnel required overcoming significant engineering and logistical challenges:

Deep tunnelling at depths of up to 70 metres
Working beneath a densely populated city with existing infrastructure
Managing groundwater and variable soil conditions
Continuous 24/7 tunnelling operations using TBMs
Safe handling of wastewater and construction materials

Additionally, maintaining safe and efficient hydraulic systems throughout the project was critical to ensure reliability and performance on-site.

Abbey Hose Involvement

Abbey Hose played a vital supporting role in the successful delivery of the Thames Tideway Tunnel, including the Greenwich section.

Scope of Supply

Abbey Hose provided specialist hydraulic hose solutions and support services to contractors working on the project, including:

High-performance hydraulic hoses for tunnelling and plant equipment
Bespoke assemblies tailored to project-specific requirements
Rapid replacement and maintenance support to minimise downtime
Durable solutions capable of withstanding high pressure and harsh environments

Supporting Tunnel Boring Operations

Tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and associated plant rely heavily on hydraulic systems for:

Cutter head operation
Conveyor systems
Segment handling and installation
Steering and propulsion

Abbey Hose ensured that critical hydraulic components remained operational, safe, and efficient, helping to maintain project timelines.

Value Delivered

Abbey Hose’s contribution helped deliver measurable value across the project:

Reliability in Demanding Conditions
Products were designed to withstand extreme pressure, abrasion, and environmental exposure typical of deep tunnelling.
Reduced Downtime
Fast turnaround and responsive service ensured minimal disruption to critical construction activities.
Bespoke Engineering Support
Custom hose assemblies allowed seamless integration with specialised machinery.
On-Site Efficiency
Reliable hydraulic systems contributed to smooth TBM operations and overall project productivity.

Environmental Impact of the Project

The Thames Tideway Tunnel is expected to transform the health of the River Thames by:

Capturing and storing sewage during heavy rainfall
Reducing pollution incidents dramatically
Supporting biodiversity and improving water quality

The system is designed so that overflows will occur only a few times per year, compared to frequent discharges previously.

Outcome

With completion in 2024, the Tideway Tunnel now stands as:

The largest water infrastructure project in the UK
A long-term solution to London’s sewage capacity challenges
A major environmental improvement initiative

Abbey Hose is proud to have supported contractors involved in this landmark project, contributing to the delivery of critical infrastructure that will benefit London for generations.

Why Abbey Hose?

Abbey Hose continues to support major infrastructure and tunnelling projects across the UK by offering:

Expert knowledge in hydraulic systems
Fast, reliable supply chains
Custom-engineered solutions
Proven experience in large-scale civil engineering projects