Norcem and the Spanish-Italian contractor consortium Acciona Ghella JV (AGJV), responsible for the TBM contract in the Follo Line Project, recently reached an agreement for the cement supplies. The contract signed means delivery of 280.000 tons cement over a three-years’ period and is Norcem’s largest contract ever.

The first tunnel boring machine (TBM) to excavate the main section of the Follo Line Tunnel, is now ready from the factory in Germany. It will arrive at the construction site in Oslo in May and is the first of four machines.

Most of the excavation of the tunnel system at Åsland is completed, but the excavation of the escape tunnel continues at full speed.

The drill and blast phase at the Follo Line tunnel system, 100 meters below ground at Grønliåsen near Åsland, is finished. Most of the blasting work are completed three months ahead of schedule.

The TBMs at the Follo Line will have a length of about 150 m and weigh 2400 tons. Inside the TBM there are a number of installations, including a conveyor for transport of rocks and the lining of concrete segments.

The two first Tunnel Boring Machines are being assembled in Germany by Herrenknecht right now. In total AGJV will have four TBMs at the Follo Line Project. 

The construction of the factory building and the entire factory area is progressing in a good pace.

Good progress in tunnel excavation at Åsland. In two assembly chambers the TBM's will be assembled, and the first will start boring in the autumn of 2016.

Employees in Acciona Ghella Joint Venture, the client and subcontractors celebrated Santa Barbara December 4. The employees met in the tunnel for a mass with the benediction of the Santa Barbara statues, and later there was a feast with good food.