Endeavour TBM: A new record in tunnelling

In 2024, the Northern Heavy Industries (NHI) Endeavour TBM (Tunnel Bone Mine) set a world record for single-machine tunneling of 26.521 kilometers. This achievement was driven by breakthroughs in multiple core technologies. Previously, TBM main bearings had long relied on imports. NHI, in collaboration with research institutions, conducted hundreds of tests and developed high-strength, wear-resistant main bearings. These bearings offer a 20% longer service life and a 35% lower cost than imported products, effectively breaking the monopoly of foreign technology. The Endeavour TBM’s intelligent geological detection system plays a crucial role in complex geological construction. It analyzes rock hardness, water content, and other data in real time, automatically adjusting the cutterhead speed and thrust. For example, in a mountain tunnel project, when encountering crushed rock, the system quickly switched to “staged cutting” mode, achieving a stable daily tunneling efficiency of over 12 meters, a 40% increase over traditional equipment. Furthermore, the equipment’s modular design reduces cutterhead replacement time from three days to eight hours, significantly reducing project downtime. This provides an efficient solution for long-distance tunnel construction in China and further consolidates my country’s technological leadership in the global shield machine industry.