One of the components of the tunnel boring machine is loaded onto ARC independence in Belgium.
Cargo big or small, the U.S. Merchant Marine delivers it all.
And deliveries don’t come much bigger than the gigantic tunnel boring machine ferried across the Atlantic Ocean for the Hudson Tunnel Project by American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) Independence in May.
This was the second tunnel boring machine delivered by ARC for the $16 billion infrastructure project, with the MV Endurance delivering the first of the nearly 1,700-ton machines in January.
American Maritime Officers represents all the licensed positions aboard the ARC Independence and MV Endurance.
Both boring machines will be used to construct a new two-track rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River, as well as support the rehabilitation of the existing North River Tunnels – an essential rail link between New Jersey and Manhattan that has been in service for over a century. Once operational, the two TBMs will work in tandem, simultaneously excavating the new tunnel tubes.
ARC Independence loaded the custom machine in Belgium and successfully navigated nearly 3,700 nautical miles before discharge in Port of Baltimore.
ARC’s role in the Hudson Tunnel Project underscores the importance of U.S.-flag shipping in delivering the specialized, heavy, and time-sensitive cargo required to build and modernize the nation’s most complex infrastructure. Specifically rated for cargo loads up to 240 metric tons, the ARC Independence is equipped with oversized drive lanes and door clearances that support the efficient roll-on/roll-off transport of tunnel boring machine components.
“The Hudson Tunnel Project is a vital investment in the resilience of the Northeast Corridor,” said Chris Barber, ARC Group Senior Director, Cargo Preference Sales. “ARC’s end-to-end logistics capabilities ensure that critical project components move seamlessly from origin to job site, keeping major infrastructure timelines like these on track. As a U.S.-flag Ro-Ro carrier, ARC is proud to deliver oversized and mission-critical cargo that supports infrastructure projects essential to the nation’s economic security.”
The 1,680-ton tunnel boring machine is one of two delivered by ARC vessels for the Hudson Tunnel Project.
