Croonwolter&dros and Elinex realize emergency power plant Botlek tunnel until 2035

Unique functionality contract emergency power plant for tunnel between Rotterdam and Europoort

On the A15 between Rotterdam and Europoort, 111,000 cars pass through the Botlek Tunnel every day. The A15 is an important link between the expanding Rotterdam port and industrial area and the European hinterland. The A15 between Maasvlakte and Vaanplein underwent major reconstructions with the aim of reducing congestion and improving traffic flow, also known as the MaVa project. Several bridges and tunnels are being renewed, including the emergency power system of the Botlek Tunnel. With a duration of 25 years and a project value of approximately €1.5 billion, the MaVa project at the time the contract was awarded, the largest contract ever awarded by the Department of Public Works after a tender.

Emergency power installation Botlektunnel
Croonwolter&dros, contract partner of the A-Lanes A15 consortium, has commissioned Elinex to replace the UPSs and hereafter the maintenance of the UPSs until June 2035. Elinex has full system responsibility and is therefore liable for total UPS functionality. Eric Schuurman, Croonwolter&dros project manager: "Many suppliers want to supply stuff, but we were looking for a party that delivers functionality for 17 years and takes responsibility for the entire term. In Elinex we found a partner who dares to do that. We entered into a long-term relationship with Elinex. It is a venture where we are experimenting. There are risks involved, but together we dare to take them."

His colleague Richard de Roon, Infra consultant and responsible for the software interface, continues: "It is a collaboration where we have not filled in what we want to see delivered, but asked for a functional composition."

UPS installation in the tunnel
Elinex is responsible for maintaining the UPS system in the Botlek Tunnel for the duration of this agreement. Mark Thies, Elinex account manager, says: "Croonwolter&dros wants to be relieved for the entire period regarding the emergency power solution. We have two Huawei 5000E UPSs installed of 300 kW each. To continuously monitor the batteries and extend their life, we integrated our Battery Analyze & Care System (BACS) into the installation. The Botlek Tunnel is the first tunnel in the Netherlands equipped with BACS. In addition, Elinex also installed the software interface in collaboration with Croonwolter&dros' connectivity specialists. This was particularly complex since the tunnel's control system is outdated and the new UPSs communicate in a different way than the current tunnel management system."

The UPSs had to be installed within two days - while the tunnel was operational. Putting this into practice was a challenge, said Niid Brouwers, Elinex project manager. "Within the relatively short time frame of two days, the UPSs were placed and installed. There was no downtime so the customer was protected at all times. Switching to the new system was completely trouble-free. The move-in was also distinct and unique. Looking at the specific requirements of the customer and the not-quite-ordinary location with associated complex logistical challenge, this is a special custom project."

Functionality contract to 2035
The total investment is more important than just the initial investment (CAPEX). The total cost for the maintenance period, Life Cycle Cost (LCC), was especially considered. This project therefore does not look at the cheapest way, but at the most sustainable way. Mark Thies: "This is the first contract in the market where the full system responsibility is for the supplier, i.e. for Elinex. It is unique that a total responsibility is outsourced until June 2035."

Eric Schuurman concludes, "It is a very enjoyable project and I am convinced that it will pay off through 2035. Very cool that we are realizing it together on this scale. As far as I'm concerned, this tastes like more!"

Curious about more tunnel projects? Elinex has worked for other road tunnels, including the Maas Tunnel, Project Tunnel Safety Schiphol, the Velser Tunnel and the Rhine Road, also realized the emergency power supply.