Preferred Contractors Announced for Thames Tideway Tunnel

The preferred tenderers have been identified to build the Thames Tideway Tunnel, it was announced on Feb. 27.

The world-class companies, which have been chosen after intense competition as the preferred tenderers, will build a component each of the three parts of the mega tunnel that has been split into geographical sections of west, central and east.

The project, which will be the biggest infrastructure project ever under taken by the U.K. water industry, will make London’s sewerage network fit for the 22nd century and will help prevent the millions of ton of sewage pollution that currently discharge into the tidal River Thames every year.

Andy Mitchell, Chief Executive at Thames Tideway Tunnel, said: “We have selected our preferred bidders to work on the three main works packages because we have absolute faith in their ability to carry out these major pieces of work safely, considerately and sustainably and we are looking forward to working with them to offer the thousands of jobs that will help make this project a reality.

“This is not just an engineering project, this is about reconnecting London with its river by cleaning it up and making it something that is integral to our city, for the growing population, thriving businesses and to increase leisure uses. This is a unique opportunity to be involved in improving London’s environment and economy and we’re very excited for what the future holds.”

The contractors which have been chosen as the preferred main works tenderers are: BMB JV (joint venture of BAM Nuttall Ltd., Morgan Sindall PLC and Balfour Beatty Group Ltd.) for the West contract; FLO JV (joint venture of Ferrovial Agroman UK Ltd., Laing O’Rourke Construction) for the Central contract; and CVB JV (joint venture of Costain, Vinci Construction Grands Projects, Bachy Soletanche) for the East contract. Estimated contract values for the drives are: West, $460 million to $770 million; Central, $922 million to $1.4 billion; and East, $770 million to $1.2 billion).

The contracts are expected to be awarded in the summer, when the investors who will be chosen to finance and deliver the project as the Infrastructure Provider, are announced.

The Thames Tideway Tunnel project will create more than 4,000 direct sustainable jobs, and another 5,000 jobs indirectly. It will be offering hundreds of apprenticeships and work placements, is committed to employing local people, and will be creating a never-before seen surge in the river economy through marine employment opportunities.