Rome, Italy — Recently, the Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) shield machine “CREC R303,” remanufactured by China Railway Hi-Tech Industry’s subsidiary China Railway Engineering Equipment Group Tianjin Company, successfully completed its tunneling task for the Fortezza –Ponte Gardena?Railway Tunnel Project in Italy.
This equipment is the first remanufactured shield machine exported from China to Europe. Originally, it was a large-diameter EPB shield machine exported by China Railway Engineering Equipment Group to Dubai, UAE. The Tianjin Company remanufactured it based on the geological conditions and client requirements of the new project. By optimizing cutter trajectories and reinforcing the cutterhead structure, the machine gained stronger rock-breaking capability and improved tunneling efficiency, effectively adapting to the project’s high-strength rock strata.
The Fortezza–Ponte Gardena Railway Project in Italy is an extension of the Brenner Base Tunnel, currently the world’s longest railway tunnel under construction. Upon completion, the rail transport capacity between Verona and Fortezza will increase fourfold, significantly reducing passenger and freight travel time. The project will further enhance Italy’s regional transportation network and play a positive role in promoting local economic and social development.
