On 11 March, a new TBM first turned its cutterhead in Tai Long Wan on Chi Ma Wan Peninsula of Lantau Island.

The ceremony started at 2:15pm with a welcome message from Mr. Edmond Wong, Project Manager of CLP Cable Tunnel Projects. Guests of honors were Mr. Benoît de Ruffray, Managing Director of Dragages; TF Chow,Manager of Engineering Projects of CLP, Richard Ryall, Director, Atkins China Ltd.

As the construction site is enveloped in fresh air, clear water and lush woodlands, the local villagers showed much environmental and Fung Shui concern when they understand there would be a tunnel going from Tai Long Wan to Pui O Beach. After months of communications and discussion, the villagers were content with the precaution and follow-up measures that the Project Team promised to take, the project was able to begin thereon.

Three chiefs of the Chi Ma Wan village graced the TBM launching ceremony with their presence and dotted the eyes of the Dancing Lions that took up to a series of activities.

After the Lion Dance, Mr. de Ruffray unveiled the name of the new TBM - Mu Guiying. Mu lived at a time when China was facing invasion during Sung Dynasty(1271-1368). Mu, the well-known heroine in Chinese history and a woman warrior, was brave and confident. She still led the army to fight when she was pregnant, and she even gave birth to her son on the battlefield. Mu has come across in history as a gallant army general and led her army from victory to victory. The name was chosen as it connotes a spirit of dedication and victory.

Mr. Ryall then broke the Champagne bottle and Mr. Chow switched on the TBM cutterhead.

Chi Ma Wan Tunnel, is part of CLP Power’s improvement program for the electric supply to Cheung Chau. The work involves boring a tunnel that is 3.3 diameter, 3200m long for the placement of high voltage cables, where environmental and ecology concerns are prime in consideration of all methods employed.

The journey of Mu, Guiying is expected to take about 10 months. Good luck to CLP Projects.

For more information, please contact
Susanna Poon
Communication Officer
Dragages Hong Kong Limited
Tel: 2507 1730
Fax: 2588 1979
Email: susanna.poon@bouyguesasia.com