Atkins wins innovation award for the world-first 15-cell caterpillar-shaped cofferdam design on Tuen Mun-Check Lap Kok Link in Hong Kong

Hong Kong – Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has won the 2020 HKIE (Hong Kong Institution of Engineers) Innovation Award for a world-first cofferdam design approach on the Tuen Mun-Check Lap Kok Link (TM-CLKL) project in Hong Kong.

Due to the complex ground conditions, Atkins – who are supporting Dragages-Bouygues JV on the project – designed the world’s longest and largest caterpillar-shaped cofferdam in which TM-CLKL’s cut and cover tunnel is constructed. At 500m in length and 43m in depth, the 15-cell cofferdam design approach could save HK$0.5-1 billion and 6-10 months in construction time.

George Ramsbottom, Managing Director for Hong Kong & Macau at Atkins, said: “Congratulations to our team on winning this prestigious award that recognizes Hong Kong’s engineering excellence. This innovative solution from our technically brilliant tunnels team showcases the overall strength of Atkins’ multi-disciplinary design capabilities in Hong Kong. We have been at the forefront of innovation for many years, focussing strongly on achieving the best outcomes for our clients and their projects. With the increasing use of data and digital technology, today we are determined to lead the transformation of our industry through the next wave of innovation, still aimed at enhanced outcomes for our clients.”

TM-CLKL is a 5km sub-sea road link which will provide the most direct route between Hong Kong’s Northwest Territories and Hong Kong Island. It forms part of the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macau Bridge project which was officially opened in late 2018. The world’s longest sea crossing reduces freight and passenger travel time between the three cities to within an hour and plays an important role in promoting the integration of the Greater Bay area.

The innovative cofferdam design on TM-CLKL project was also recognised at the 2019 NCE Tunnelling Awards in London. Atkins, alongside Dragages-Bouygues JV, won the Innovation in Design and Delivery Award for the caterpillar shaped cofferdam for TM-CLKL’s cut & cover tunnel; and Atkins was also recognised at the 2019 International Tunnel Awards which named TM-CLKL Major Project of the Year with a budget of more than €500 million.  

About Atkins
Atkins (www.atkinsglobal.com) is one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies, employing over 18,300 people across the UK, North America, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe. We build long-term trusted partnerships to create a world where lives are enriched through the implementation of our ideas. You can view Atkins’ recent projects here.

About SNC-Lavalin
Founded in 1911, SNC-Lavalin is a global fully integrated professional services and project management company and a major player in the ownership of infrastructure. From offices around the world, SNC-Lavalin’s employees think beyond engineering. Our teams provide comprehensive end-to-end project solutions – including capital investment, consulting, design, engineering, construction management, sustaining capital and operations and maintenance – to clients across the EDPM (engineering, design and project management), Infrastructure, Nuclear, and Resources businesses. www.snclavalin.com