'The Michiel de Ruijter Tunnel is kind of our tunnel'

On behalf of the City of Amsterdam, ENGIE is performing work in the Michiel de Ruijter Tunnel. It is installing additional heat-resistant lining, installing movable cameras and improving the tunnel's controls. There are two reasons why ENGIE is the party to do this. One is purely emotional. 'The Michiel de Ruijter Tunnel is a bit our tunnel'. The other reason is strategic. The way the adjustments in the Michiel de Ruijter Tunnel are being prepared fits seamlessly with ENGIE's vision. 

"Several ENGIE employees stood at the cradle of the first tunnel technical installations," says Ruud Schenk, director of ENGIE Infra & Mobility. "They still know the situation in the Michiel de Ruijter Tunnel and know what they will soon find here. It is special for them to work on this project. What makes the project fascinating and distinctive for Schenk itself is the preparation of the modifications in a construction team."

A distinctive approach

Whereas clients usually put works on the market and then wait and see for what amount contractors bid for the work, in the case of the Michiel de Ruijter Tunnel, the City of Amsterdam opted for a so-called construction team phase. Scoping, planning and budget are finalized by a team that includes both the client and the contractor. In the team, knowledge and skills, as well as responsibilities and risks, are shared. 

The time is ripe for it

"I believe we are well positioned in the market," Schenk says. "Within ENGIE Infra & Mobility, we are always looking for the optimal balance between sustainability, economy and accessibility. But I also believe that we are not the only ones at work with this ambition. The time is ripe to work with the entire chain to find the best solution. That puts all team members in a more attractive and challenging position and increases the chances of getting the best result."

Transition - Connection - Optimism

ENGIE Infra & Mobility's vision is based on signals in society. Schenk: "We live in a time of transitions. The outlook on energy generation, smart industry and forms of cooperation is in full swing. From now on, parties will increasingly connect with each other to make the world a little better. The modifications to the Michiel de Ruijter Tunnel are a great example of this. It is also an approach that inspires optimism. If we approach it this way, we will certainly achieve our ambition 'Working together for a sustainable, accessible Netherlands'."