Trelleborg sealing Middle East’s “largest immersed tunnel”

Dubai, UAE – Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure is supplying sealing systems for the Middle East’s “largest” immersed tunnel project currently under construction in Iraq.

The sealing system supplier has partnered with Daewoo Engineering & Construction to deliver a range of sealing systems for the Khor Al Zubair Immersed Tunnel project.

Under an agreement, Trelleborg will supply 10 Gina gaskets and 10 Omega seals for the permanent immersion joints that connect the tunnel elements.

The gaskets will connect 10 concrete elements, each with a length of approximately 126 metre, Trelleborg said in a 7 Sept statement.

Supply of components began in 2022 and is currently underway with final deliveries scheduled for the end of 2023, the Swedish manufacturer pointed out.

Designed to last for “over 120 years”, the sealing systems effectively prevent water-ingress caused by external water pressure, according to Trelleborg.

The components are designed to provide a watertight system, ensuring that the tunnel stays intact and protected against potential water leakage.

The units also handle the intense transfer of hydrostatic loads and movements between tunnel ends caused by environmental pressures such as seismic activity, soil settlement, and temperature effects.

Once completed, the tunnel at Khor Al-Zubair Port in Basra, Iraq will stretch 2.5km and feature six lanes, as well as a dedicated emergency lane.