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Editor’s Welcome
Austen Lees
Welcome to another packed edition of Trenchless Works! It’s been a great couple of months catching up with some of the sector’s best-known names and joining the Sheffield No-Dig Roadshow, which was as wellattended and popular as ever. You can read more about it later in the magazine.
On our recent trip to a beautifully sunny Swansea to visit Chris and Mike at Ditch Witch, we bumped into Dave Bell, the HDD drilling liquids guru who’s soon to be returning to the Ditch Witch team. It seemed too good an opportunity to miss, so be sure to check out our Q&A with him on page 30
I was also lucky enough to sit down and chat with Picote CEO, Katja Lindy-Wilkinson, and Senior Director, Dawn Greig, ahead of the company’s recent open house at their UK training centre in Berkshire. It was fascinating to hear how the Picote equipment business came to be and the key roles Katja and Dawn have played in its rapid and sustainable growth.
I’m pleased to say, there’s no sign of things calming down over the next 18 months or so. In addition to several exciting visits to equipment manufacturers, we have a packed events calendar where we’ll be flying the trenchless flag in some of the world’s most exciting and high-growth markets, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Bangkok! We also have the final No-Dig Roadshow of the year at the beautiful Tortworth Court (near Bristol), and next year we’re back at No-Dig Live – if you’re not already talking to the team about participating, I urge you to do so ASAP.
I’m really keen to cover more projects in the magazine and to get out on site to talk to those involved. This kind of content is always well-received by our readers. If you’ve got an exciting job going on in the next few months and you’d like some coverage, please drop me an email at editorial@ trenchless-works.com
Enjoy the magazine!
Austen
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ARTICLE
Editor’s Welcome
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Picote: Innovation with purpose
NEWS
BKP Berolina appoints Daniel Will as CTO to drive next-generation UV-Cured liner development
Picote UK welcomes industry professionals to inaugural Open House event in Berkshire
Barhale secures £16.35M cornerstone of Stoke water quality project
40 years of Bagela and TRACTO in the UK
Strategic partnership between Reinert-Ritz and Curio Water (UK)
Ipsum partners with OBIC in exclusive deal for UK market
Barhale announces two new director appointments
PIPELINE REHABILITATION
Preserving the past, future proofing infrastructure
HDD
Dave Bell returns to Ditch Witch UK: HDD fluids specialist rejoins the team
TUNNEL BORING
Joseph Gallagher secures major trenchless package for Liverpool Bay CCS project
TUNNELLING
Hs2 completes Northolt tunnel excavation
EVENTS
Yorkshire Water gives audience trenchless insight at No-Dig Roadshow
Spreading the Trenchless word - an events update from Westrade
FOCUS ON TRENCHLESS TRAINING
New markets & the importance of training
UKSTT SOCIETY NEWS
A message from the Chair
ISTT SOCIETY NEWS
A message from the Chair
Call for Papers: ISTT Albert Shou Student Scholarship 2025
First Peruvian Congress and Exhibition on Trenchless Technologies
ISTT Educational Webinar HDD: design and installation of high-pressure pipelines subjected to large temperature fluctuations
Call for registration - International No-Dig Vancouver& NASTT No-Dig North 2025
Introducing ISTT Whisperer – a new AI feature on the ISTT website
EVENTS AND MEETINGS
Picote: Innovation with purpose
By Austen Lees, Editor, Trenchless Works
NEW! Picote Mini Multi-Cutter in action
Katja Lindy-Wilkinson CEO Picote
It was a pleasure to catch up with Picote’s CEO, Katja Lindy-Wilkinson, and Senior Director Dawn Greig ahead of the company’s recent open house at their UK training centre in Sandhurst, Berkshire.
I began by asking Katja about her journey with Picote and how she came to be involved in the trenchless technology sector. She responded with her trademark honesty and humour, saying, “When I was a little girl, I definitely didn’t see myself working in this industry!” Her pathway to leading one of the most highly regarded brands in the sector began after the birth of her youngest daughter. Having recently moved to the UK from the US and still building her professional network, Katja reached out to Jutta EhderLokkinen, co-founder of Picote and an old friend, who along with her husband Mika, had started a contracting business using new pipe coating technology in southern Finland. Katja joined the business as marketing manager in 2008, shortly after their first pipe coating project.
The Picote Katja joined, and has been instrumental in growing, was vastly different from the company we know today. Back then, Picote was solely a contractor in Southern Finland,
innovating machinery and tools to allow them to renovate entire piping systems inside buildings. The company’s move into inhouse CIPP lining and its strong partnership with Brawoliner marked a turning point, igniting rapid growth with the introduction of a manufacturing business and shaping Picote into the global brand it is today.
Both Katja and Dawn admit that it was never the original intention to develop tools beyond Picote’s own contracting needs. However, recognising the efficiency and usefulness of Mika’s innovations for their own customers, Brawoliner approached them
to act as a reseller for the newly formed Picote Solutions, the sales and manufacturing arm of Picote. This led to the launch of Picote’s international sales division at IFAT on the Brawoliner booth in 2012.
Dawn highlights that this combination of contractor and manufacturer still sets them apart. Not only do they have an active R&D division, but they also test and refine their products using feedback from their own contracting teams in the field. This direct, honest information loop helps them continuously develop and improve their offerings. >
Early Picote Miller
One example of early innovation was the Picote Smart Cutter™. Mika, a true problem solver, identified the need for an affordable, easy-to-use in-building cutter that was available in multiple sizes, with simple parts replacement. The Smart Cutter™ gained prominence when Picote entered it into the ISTT awards and won the Innovation Award in 2012. This recognition spurred further international expansion. Katja recalls how rewarding it was to return to Finland for the No-Dig Helsinki only 10 years later in 2022 and showcase “Picote Land,” marveling at how far the company had come in such a short space of time.
Expanding into the US market was another significant milestone. For Katja, the US is almost a home market, she lives there and is married to an American. Despite advice warning them against entering the US, Katja’s deep understanding of the market convinced her that their products could meet a real need. Today, the US is one of their largest markets.
When asked what she enjoys most about the industry, Katja replied, “Constant innovation and the potential to do things better and more safely.” She goes on to say when she asks the same question to her team, they feel they are, “lucky to be in a position where we can solve problems for customers.”
Dawn shares that she always feels motivated by a recognition that they are really still only “scratching the surface of what’s possible with these products” and can see the difference Picote makes, both environmentally and practically on a daily basis. “It is about making a real impact on the industry,” she says, emphasising their openness to collaboration. Picote recognises the opportunity for the sector to work more closely together, to share knowledge, raise awareness, and drive product development, while respecting commercial sensitivities.
“ There is a strong sense of support, if someone picks up the phone to Picote, they can be confident that help will be forthcoming
Picote’s unique selling proposition (USP) lies in its relentless focus on innovation, combined with a strong commitment to its people and a positive, collaborative attitude. The company is genuinely open, aiming to support the sector’s growth and success rather than engaging in aggressive competition. Their approach emphasises collaborating closely with contractors, prioritising practical solutions that “just work and are” safe, reliable, and efficient. Picote understands that contractors need equipment they can trust to perform their job with minimal fuss, which is at the core of their product design and company ethos. This combination of innovative technology, collaborative mindset, technical expertise, and practical, customer-focused solutions is what sets Picote apart in the industry.
When discussing the biggest challenge for the sector, which also presents a significant opportunity, both Katja and Dawn highlight information sharing within the sector. Picote addresses this through the Picote Institute, an educational resource designed to make it easy for users to access information and practical training. With a highly skilled and knowledgeable team with decades of experience in the field, the company operates three training centres aimed at helping contractors and clients use their products effectively. There is a strong sense of support, if someone picks up the phone to Picote, they can be confident that help will be forthcoming. This commitment to sharing knowledge and providing accessible training is a key part of Picote’s approach, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits the entire industry. >
Picote Xpress Coating System in the field at a jobsite in London
Following on from this, I asked Katja and Dawn what be the one that they would change overnight to help Picote, and the sector grow. As Past Chair and active Council member of UKSTT and Trsutee of ISTT, Dawn is passionate about the Trenchless sector and
responded that she would like to see a shift in mindset and an increased openness to adopting new technologies.
She believes this change is particularly needed at the government level, where encouraging or even requiring
“ It is amazing to see where we are today, with a strong market position and great brand recognition. We are always a contractor at our heart and the Picote team sees
the many untapped opportunities trenchless technology offers the world
the use of environmentally sustainable technologies could make a significant difference.
Both Katja and Dawn see a real opportunity to educate policymakers about the available solutions and their benefits.
Some of Picote Team
Maxi Miller Power+
They also recognise that sector representative bodies could do more to inform and lobby the appropriate departments. Currently, trenchless technology can sometimes be perceived as a bit niche, and expanding awareness is crucial to moving it further into the mainstream.
Next, we discussed what the future holds for Picote and what customers can expect over the coming years. Katja described the outlook as ‘very exciting,’ with the company continuing to innovate in areas such as brush coating, CIPP lining, and high-speed drain cleaning. She also highlighted several recent product launches unveiled at Ro-Ka-Tec, where the Picote team showcased a range of new offerings, including the innovative Mini Multi-Cutter developed in conjunction with BZ BOTS.
This revolutionary mechanical multi-use cutter is designed for reinstatements, removing failed linings, and even concrete from mainline or stack pipes. Powered by the Picote Mini Miller +C, it boasts impressive rotational speeds of up to 2900 rpm! Picote also unveiled a new Lining Drum, thoughtfully engineered
to include all the essential features their own lining crews rely on—while keeping it at an accessible price point.
Beyond developing new innovations, Picote remains dedicated to enhancing its proven equipment and tools. A prime example is the introduction of a Spray Coating Head for the Xpress Coating System, which streamlines the process, making it even faster and more user-friendly for operators. These latest additions reflect Picote’s ongoing commitment to pushing technological boundaries and delivering advanced, reliable, and easy-touse solutions for contractors.
Finally, I asked Katja what she is most proud of in her career with Picote to date. She responded, “For me, it is the fact that despite our rapid growth, we remain the same team of passionate experts. Despite its size, it still feels like the same business I joined back in 2008.” She added, “It is hard to believe we started with most of the team working from a shed in southern Finland, with Dawn and me first demoing products to people in our back gardens here in the UK.
BUILT FOR SPEED. DESIGNED FOR BENDS.
Powered by BZ-BOTS
What makes it stand out?
• High torque and up to 2,900 RPM of cutting speed with the Picote Mini Miller +C HD
• Handles DN100–150 (4–6”) pipes with a reach of up to 26 m (85 ft)
• Fully mechanical, no electronics, just pure performance
It is amazing to see where we are today, with a strong market position and great brand recognition. We are always a contractor at our heart and the Picote team sees the many untapped opportunities trenchless technology offers the world. We remain committed to innovation to meet these evolving needs, and we are excited to announce a new highspeed machine coming soon!”
• Built-in push rod operation + camera for live visual control
• Performs impressively in vertical stacks, mainline pipes and tight bends
• Only a small air compressor required for arm lift
• Cutting head adjustments 0° to 90° can be performed outside of pipe for convenience
Visit picoteresources.com or contact your regional distributor to upgrade your pipeline toolkit. Available to pre-order for September/October delivery.
Picote Mini Multi-Cutter Powered by BZ-Bots
BKP Berolina appoints Daniel Will as CTO to drive next-generation UV-Cured liner development
BKP Berolina Polyester GmbH & Co. KG is pleased to announce that Daniel Will will join the company as Chief Technical Officer (CTO) starting July 1, 2025. With his appointment, one of the most respected technical figures in the trenchless pipe rehabilitation industry becomes part of the BKP leadership team.
Will brings over two decades of experience in the development, production, and international marketing of UV-cured GRP liners, expertise that will play a pivotal role in advancing BKP’s technological leadership.
“I am extremely pleased that we were able to bring Daniel Will on board one of the industry’s leading forces, and that I get to work with him again after our time together at Impreg,” said Thomas Christiansen, CEO of BKP Berolina. “We have an ambitious plan, by 2026, we aim to launch a new generation of liners. We are confident that Daniel Will’s comprehensive expertise will make a decisive contribution to this goal.”
Will has an impressive track record. For more than 20 years, he held various leadership roles at the Impreg Group, including
“We have an ambitious plan, by 2026, we aim to launch a new generation of liners. We are confident that Daniel Will’s comprehensive expertise will make a decisive contribution to this goal.
in production management, quality assurance, data analysis, and the international roll-out of new sites. In 2009, he joined the management team and later became Technical Director, where he led several highprofile innovation projects.
“After more than two decades in my previous professional home, it was time for me to take a new path,” said Daniel Will. “I am very excited to now be part of the BKP team, a company that has been setting standards in trenchless sewer rehabilitation for years.”
“The market is changing rapidly, with increasing demands for quality, sustainability, and efficiency. This is exactly where I want to contribute: together with BKP, I will work on developing a new generation of liners, innovative, futureproof, and market-oriented.”
Christiansen added:
“With Daniel Will and Lars Quernheim, we are bringing together two of the industry’s leading technical minds at BKP.
Both will serve at the same executive level, aiming to benefit from each other and complement one another.”
Lars Quernheim, COO of BKP Berolina, also expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration:
“I have valued Daniel Will both professionally and personally for many years. The opportunity to work together on product development opens enormous potential, not just for us, but especially for our customers.”
“Our industry faces major technological challenges, including rising quality standards and resourceefficient production. Daniel brings a rare combination of deep product knowledge and a keen understanding of market requirements.”
With the appointment of Daniel Will, BKP Berolina reinforces its commitment to innovation and its role in shaping the future of trenchless technology.
Daniel Will, CTO, BKP Berolina
From
Picote UK welcomes industry professionals to inaugural Open House event in Berkshire
The Picote UK Training Centre in Sandhurst, Berkshire proudly hosted an Open House event this June, opening its doors to industry professionals for two dynamic days of live demonstrations, product innovation, and collaborative exchange.
The event welcomed contractors, engineers, and suppliers from across the trenchless technology sector, offering a hands-on look at the full spectrum of Picote trenchless systems and solutions. Guests had the opportunity to meet the UK team, see the equipment in action, and engage directly with Picote specialists.
A highlight of the Open House was the exclusive debut of the brand-new Mini Multi-Cutter, launched in collaboration with BZ BOTS. This revolutionary mechanical robotic style cutter is engineered for precision tasks such as reinstatements, removal of failed linings, and even concrete, whether in the mainline or stack pipe. Designed for maximum performance and versatility, the cutter is powered by the Picote Mini Miller +C, offering rotational speeds of up to 2900rpm.
“The Mini Multi-Cutter is a real game-changer for operators working in complex pipe conditions,” said Steph Richardson, Marketing & Communications Manager, Picote. “It’s compatibility with the Mini Miller +C means contractors can perform highpowered cutting and removal tasks with an agile and compact system.”
Throughout the event, the Picote team delivered a series of live demonstrations and technical presentations, giving attendees a comprehensive look at Picote’s product range, including cleaning, cutting, coating, and rehabilitation tools. The sessions sparked engaging conversations around best practices, innovation trends, and jobsite challenges, highlighting Picote’s ongoing commitment to field support and continuous development.
“We were thrilled to welcome so many familiar and new faces to our UK base,” said Steph Richardson, Marketing & Communications Manager at
Picote. “The atmosphere was fantastic, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Of course, no Picote event would be complete without a social moment, the Picote happy hour lived up to its name, bringing guests together for relaxed networking and plenty of good cheer.
To book a private demo, schedule a call with the team, or learn more about the Mini MultiCutter and other innovations, please contact: steph@picotesolutions.com
NEW! Picote Mini Multi-Cutter powered by BZ-Bots
The D550 horizontal directional drill offers ultra-slow speed control to power through tough ground. Visit VERMEERUK.CO.UK to learn more.
Barhale secures £16.35M cornerstone of Stoke water quality project
As part of its ongoing programme to improve river water quality, Severn Trent Water has awarded Barhale a £16.35 million contract to deliver a major infrastructure project at Etruria Vale in Stoke-on-Trent.
The centrepiece of the scheme is a 20m diameter, 24m deep shaft tank, providing an additional 5,200m³ of overflow storage capacity. This forms a key element of the wider, multi-site Etruria Vale project, delivered under Severn Trent Water’s Framework Directive Scheme, an initiative focused on reducing intermittent discharges from Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), boosting resilience during storms, and enhancing water quality in local watercourses.
“
Everyone at
Barhale is
proud to be entrusted by Severn Trent Water with this important scheme, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to deliver it successfully.
Civil engineering, tunnelling and infrastructure specialist Barhale will construct the shaft using secant piling to create a circular retaining wall before excavation begins. Two connecting pipes, a 7.2m long, 1200mm inlet and a 12m long, 1050mm overflow will link the structure to adjacent manholes.
In addition to constructing the shaft, Barhale will design and install the full MEICA package. This includes fully submersible, variable speed drive pumps capable of delivering 200 litres per second over a variable head, a vacuum flush system, associated pipework, instrumentation, MCC, and kiosk.
Barhale Director James Ingamells emphasised the importance of the project:
“The wider Etruria Vale project spans multiple sites, including the Lower Oxford Road CSO and Lower Oxford Road Shaft,” he said. “The Etruria Vale shaft is the final piece in the puzzle,
its completion, and the extra capacity it brings, will make a significant improvement to the wastewater network in the area. Most importantly, it will play a vital role in improving water quality in the Fowlea Brook – a key tributary of the River Trent.
“Everyone at Barhale is proud to be entrusted by Severn Trent Water with this important scheme, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to deliver it successfully.”
Ben King, Senior Project Manager for Severn Trent Water said: “As we begin AMP8, I’m excited to begin work with Barhale on this project which will provide long-term benefits to Stoke-On-Trent. Working with Barhale and their supply chain aligns with our approach of collaborative project delivery as we focus on successfully delivering this project over the next 24 months.”
Work is scheduled for completion by summer 2027.
GRUNDOBURST
tive
40 years of Bagela and TRACTO in the UK
The Directors of Bagela, manufacturers of the famous GRUNDOWINCH, flew in from Germany in June for a special celebration with the TRACTO UK team to mark four decades in business together.
TRACTO UK signed up to become the sole distributor of Bagela’s extensive product range in 1985 and has since sold thousands of new and used units throughout the country - from the tip of Scotland to the tip of England and throughout Wales and Ireland too. Thanks to the functionality and practicality of the machines, it has been an extraordinary success story for TRACTO and Bagela. And, as well as sales of machines, TRACTO has been kept busy during the same period in the service department refurbishing, repairing and servicing the large UK fleet.
“ The Bagela range has been an excellent complementary product to our own range of trenchless equipment and continues to be a mainstay in the utility sector
The famously Germanengineered products include a range of cable pulling, Capstan and pipe renewal winches used primarily for cable laying and pipe renewal projects in the UK. They have a superb reputation for longevity which was perfectly demonstrated by the arrival of a 35-year twin capstan Bagela winch into the Bedford depot during the visit. That unit is now being serviced and maintained ready to be put back to work.
Roger Wahl, Managing Director of TRACTO UK, was delighted to welcome Christof Dammeyer and Corinna Dammeyer, the owners of Bagela, along with their sons Lukas and Moritz to celebrate with the TRACTO UK team at a local restaurant;
“The Bagela range has been an excellent complementary product to our own range of trenchless equipment and continues to be a mainstay in the utility sector.
The products are hugely efficient and reliable and the family-run company invests in producing top quality equipment which aligns with the TRACTO brand philosophy. We are looking forward to the next 40 years of partnership.”
Roger and the Dammeyer family stand beside the fully working, 35 year old unit that was in the Bedford Depot for servicing during the visit
The Bagela and TRACTO UK teams celebrate 40 years in partnership
Strategic partnership between Reinert-Ritz and Curio Water (UK)
Reinert-Ritz GmbH is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Curio Water, based in the United Kingdom. To formalise the agreement, Curio Group Managing Director Howard Marles and Business Development Manager Steve McIlwaine traveled to ReinertRitz’s headquarters in Nordhorn to sign the contract.
“We are very proud to formalise our partnership after years of preparatory work,” says Nico Hindriks, Technical Sales Consultant at Reinert-Ritz GmbH. With this agreement, Curio Water becomes ReinertRitz’s official contractual partner in the UK.
“ We were impressed by Reinert-Ritz’s innovative solutions and working methods from the start.
As a service and planning partner of Veolia UK and a market leader in micro-pollutant water treatment, Curio Water’s expertise and extensive network make it an ideal collaborator. Their strong connections with planning offices enable earlystage structural improvements to wastewater infrastructure across the UK. “The UK’s infrastructure demands highquality, innovative solutions,” explains Howard Marles. “Our collaboration with ReinertRitz presents a significant opportunity to enhance the country’s water management systems.”
Reinert-Ritz’s proven solutions, including the time-efficient polyethylene Quick-Twist fittings and removal components, as well as ReinoGrip push-fit connections, with and without longitudinal force, have already demonstrated their effectiveness in drinking water applications. The Quick-Pig system, in particular, has gained
recognition in the UK, winning the UKSTT Award for Innovative Technology last year for its role in renewing a Sewage Rising Main on Tresco in the Isles of Scilly.
Addressing challenges in UK water and wastewater infrastructure
“We were impressed by ReinertRitz’s innovative solutions and working methods from the start,” emphasises Marles. “The visit for the contract signing and the factory tour further reinforced our confidence in this partnership.”
Both companies are optimistic about their future collaboration and are committed to tackling the challenges of UK pipework infrastructure together. Both partners are optimistic about a shared future and are motivated to take on the challenges of pipework.
A dedicated team for the future: Steve McIlwaine (Curio Water) and Nico Hindriks (Reinert-Ritz GmbH) share the common goal of improving the UK’s water supply networks.
Ipsum partners with OBIC in exclusive deal for UK market
Leading engineering services provider, Ipsum, has announced its exclusive partnership with OBIC. The partnership will see Ipsum become the first and only UK provider of OBICs sustainable polyurea asset resilience and rehabilitation coating solution that when applied to manhole chambers, tanks and industrial structures, creates a leak tight and structural coating layer and can extend asset life for up to 50 years.
The exclusive partnership will form part of Ipsum’s Sustainable Engineering drive which is focused on providing innovative, low carbon, high impact solutions that meet the performance standards required to meet the water challenges of today and tomorrow. Mark Kaney, Ipsum’s Managing Director, Water, said: “With AMP8’s focus on environmental improvements, including the reduction of
pollution and leakage, we have to find solutions that are more efficient and sustainable by design.”
“This partnership gives Ipsum’s customers access to Europe’s leading manhole and sewer lining coatings before anyone else. This method has proven to have less impact on communities, while reducing emissions associated with idling traffic often held up by traditional methodologies.”
Noah Walk, CEO of the OBIC GmbH, said: “The OBIC Armor System is able to extend a manhole´s service life by 50+ years even in harsh environments achievable within as little as 60 minutes of lining work and ready to put back into service after additional 30 minutes.
OBIC’s possibilities don´t stop there: OBIC is also engineered to rehabilitate largescale
infrastructure, special structures and potable water structures (NSF61), including tanks, pump stations, second containment and many more.”
Ipsum is a leading provider of engineering services in the Power, Water, Infrastructure and Telecoms sectors. It works in partnership with customers across regulated and nonregulated environments to optimise asset performance, supporting the security and resilience of critical networks.
It utilises a data-driven approach and technologically enhanced methodologies such as No-Dig and trenchless technologies to provide quicker, greener, and more cost efficient delivery of engineering, maintenance and repair services, Ipsum employees over 1,000 people and operates throughout the UK.
Add
Barhale announces two new director appointments
James Haddon Director of Low Carbon Solutions, Barhale
Regional Director (Eastern), Barhale
Civil engineering, infrastructure and tunnelling specialist Barhale has announced the appointment of James Haddon in a newly created role of Director of Low Carbon Solutions and Joe Solomon as Regional Director (Eastern).
Director of Low Carbon Solutions is a new boardlevel position which reflects both Barhale’s corporate commitment to decarbonisation and reducing fossil fuel dependency and also its focus on developing innovative low carbon solutions for clients.
James Haddon originally joined Barhale in 1988 as a site engineer and rapidly progressed through commercial, project management and regional manager roles. He joined AECOM in 2006 and worked across their European operations for nine years before returning to Barhale in 2015 to take up the position of Regional Director (Eastern).
Joe Solomon, who steps into the role of Regional Director (Eastern), started his career with Barhale in 2012 as a Quantity Surveyor after six years at M.A.R.S. Construction.
By 2014, he had progressed to Senior QS, working on S101a schemes in Peterborough before moving into commercial management roles within the @one Alliance, Anglian Water’s highly regarded partnership delivering complex capital
projects – of which Barhale is a founding partner.
In January 2021, Joe was appointed to Head of Commercial for the Eastern region.
For Chief Executive Martin Brown, the appointments exemplify how Barhale is promoting succession planning and developing the future leaders of its business from within.
“James and Joe are natural choices for these roles,” he said. “Accelerating our carbon solutions offering is a key element of our growth strategy and James’s expertise and wealth of experience provide an ideal combination to lead the drive.
“Joe has worked closely with James for many years and he will continue to develop and grow our business within Eastern. He has an excellent relationship with key clients and partners and also brings huge enthusiasm and experience to the role. I look forward to him continuing to building Barhale’s business across the region.
“Both appointments are in line with our business strategy and are a great reflection of the business’s agenda to recognise and promote talent from among its existing teams.”
Joe Solomon
Preserving the past, future proofing infrastructure
When a city with a legacy as rich as Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, embarks on modern infrastructure renewal, the stakes are high. In one of its latest sewer rehabilitation projects, the city faced the complex task of upgrading a 150-year-old brick sewer system beneath densely populated, historic neighborhoods. The mission: to restore structural integrity without compromising surface charm (or disrupting daily life!). >
Liners were hoisted into access points
The densely populated, historic neighborhoods above the sewer made this project complex
Bespoke liners create a precise fit inside the host structure
To meet this challenge, the city turned to PW Trenchless Construction, a contractor renowned for its commitment to trenchless, lowimpact solutions. With a track record of success in complex urban environments, PW Trenchless brought both precision and sensitivity to the job. Their lining system of choice? Channeline.
Channeline’s glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) liners stood out as the ideal solution for this project’s unique demands. Its lightweight yet highstrength composition made handling and installation efficient, while its custom-manufactured segments were precisely engineered to fit the non-uniform contours of Victoria’s historic brick sewers. This bespoke capability was critical in a network where standard linings would have failed to meet the structural and spatial requirements.
Engineering excellence below ground
The rehabilitation spanned over 258m of deteriorating sewer beneath narrow, tree-lined streets. Working within tight timelines and even tighter quarters, PW Trenchless used Channeline’s GRP panels to reline the existing system with minimal excavation or surface disruption. The ease of installation, coupled with Channeline’s durability and corrosion resistance, ensured not only a rapid deployment but also a long-term, maintenance-friendly solution.
Most importantly, it was accomplished without interrupting the daily rhythm of the surrounding community.
Custom profiles for a precise fit
Despite the logistical challenges (urban congestion, heritage site sensitivity, and the unpredictable geometry of a 19th-century sewer system) the project was completed on schedule and under budget.
The project involved relining over 258 linear meters of aging sewer in three distinct profiles, including two arches and an ovoid in varied diameters.
Each profile was engineered by Channeline to match the host pipe’s unique dimensions and structural requirements, allowing for smooth hydraulic transitions and consistent performance across the network.
Modern solutions for legacy infrastructure
This project stands as a model for municipalities looking to blend modern trenchless technology with the responsibility of historic preservation. By selecting Channeline GRP liners, the City of Victoria successfully extended the life of its legacy infrastructure while upholding the character and tranquility of the neighborhoods above.
In an era where infrastructure renewal must balance sustainability, efficiency, and cultural heritage, Channeline provides a future-forward answer— strong, adaptable, and unobtrusive.
For more information, visit channeline.com
Dave Bell returns to Ditch Witch UK: HDD fluids specialist rejoins the team
With over three decades in HDD and drilling fluids, Dave Bell reflects on his journey, shares insight on the industry’s future, and prepares for his new chapter at Ditch Witch UK.
By Austen Lees, Editor, Trenchless Works
While visiting Ditch Witch UK recently (full feature coming in next month’s issue), I caught up with Dave Bell for a quick Q&A ahead of his return to the team.
Can you give readers a quick summary of your illustrious career in HDD drilling and all things liquid?
I first joined Ditch Witch back in 1992 as a service engineer. At the time, I’d never seen an HDD rig before, but for me it was an engine, hydraulic system, pump, and some electrics, all of which I was highly trained in. In time, I progressed into a training role, assisting with the installation of newly purchased rigs for customers who attended five-day courses at the dealership or occasionally on the job site. >
for
“ Being called “the industry’s go-to-guy” was a proud moment
me.
This tells me that during the 33 years in this industry, I have given customers the confidence to call me
In 2000, I decided to venture out into the contracting side of the HDD industry and became the drilling manager at a company where I had the opportunity to not only drill in the UK but also in countries such as Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, to name a few. Following that, I returned and for 14 years and worked with the thenAmerican Auger dealer TA Drilling.
During these years, I gained more and more knowledge and experience in the industry and began to realise that one element of the drilling operation—the “Drilling Fluid”—was the most important yet was so often overlooked or misunderstood.
Tell us a bit about your last role with Cebo
I joined Cebo UK as an IDP (Industrial Drilling Products) Fluid Engineer. Having regularly attended their five-day course, I recognised there was an opportunity to offer on-site services and also a shortened one-day Mudschool. This helped grow sales as products now came with backup and on-site support, but more importantly, it helped to educate and train customers, steering them away from the many myths and misconceptions of drilling fluids.
What’s your history with Ditch Witch and what attracted you back?
Having started my career in the industry with Ditch Witch, I suppose I have always had an affinity for the Orange Equipment.
When Ditch Witch UK became a distributor for Cebo UK, it gave me the opportunity to regularly visit the dealership in Swansea, which for me is only 13 miles away, and stay updated on
their new equipment. Cebo International also supported Ditch Witch in Barcelona at their European Support Centre, so there was always a close relationship for me.
The fact that Ditch Witch is so local to me obviously influenced my decision greatly. It’s also exciting to have such a wide range of equipment for customers – this keeps the role really interesting.
I hope that rejoining Ditch Witch with all my knowledge and experience will only strengthen their position as the UK’s market leaders.
What will be the focus of your new role?
As Operational Manager, I have a multifaceted role supporting what is already a highly successful and knowledgeable team. Training is something that can always be improved and developed, and we have the most amazing facility in which to do this. I will also provide an additional point of contact at the dealership, helping customers solve their problems both during and outside of standard working hours.
What do customers have to look forward to from DW in the next year or two?
Ditch Witch UK is becoming a genuine underground one-stop shop for customers across the country. I don’t just mean as a supplier of equipment but also sharing the knowledge and on-site experience of using all our underground products. I’m committed to helping customers run the most efficient site possible, supporting them with drilling techniques, site setup, and much more.
What have been the biggest changes you’ve seen in drilling and trenchless technology since you started your career?
In the early days, there was a Ditch Witch machine called a JT 4/40. The numbers represented 4-inch pipe, 400 feet long, with the pullback and rotational torque that was its capability. Without going into the maxi-rig realm, we now have utility-size rigs with 50 tonnes of pullback and 12,000 ft.lb rotational torque, capable of 800m bores of 500mm pipe. There have also been massive advancements in the loading systems for the rods, from manually loading them one at a time to rod racks and automated systems. Finally, we’ve seen a dramatic improvement in location systems both in terms of range and depth.
Dave Bell
Operational Manager, Ditch Witch UK
What do you think are the biggest opportunities or challenges for the trenchless sector over the next five or so years?
I believe the biggest challenges at the moment are the obvious shortage of HDD operators, but worse than that is the serious lack of young people coming into the industry. Most sites I am visiting must have an average age of 50. This is not good for the sector, and we need to do more to attract young people into our industry. This is an issue the team at Ditch Witch UK will be looking to lead on in the coming years.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
Being called “the industry’s go-to-guy” was a proud moment for me. This tells me that during the 33 years in this industry, I have given customers the confidence to call me knowing that if I don’t already know the answer, I will do my utmost to find out and support them.
What advice would you give to people considering a career in HDD drilling?
Personally, I believe trenchless technology is a fantastic industry to be involved in, with many opportunities. There is good money to be earned, but as is the case with any apprenticeship, you need to learn your trade. The more you learn, the more you can specialise and increase your value. There is a high demand for not only for HDD operators but also for Fluid and Steering Engineers – I see it every day.
What could the sector do to attract more young people?
At Ditch Witch UK, we are looking at advanced but easy-to-use training tools such as computer simulators and AI. The current simulators are like sitting on an actual drilling rig and can be operated with no damage to machinery, although we all know how good the younger generation are with this kind of equipment.
So, when do you officially start?
My official starting date will be Monday, August 4th, 2025. I am thrilled and excited to be returning to where it all began for me a mere 33 years ago!
Look out for the full feature on Ditch Witch UK in next month’s issue.
POWER MEETS PRECISION IN HDD
Ditch Witch® AT120
With 120,000lbs of thrust and pullback and 15,500 ft-lbs of rotational torque, the Ditch Witch® AT120 delivers industry-leading power for the most challenging HDD jobs. Designed for solid rock and tough ground conditions, this All-Terrain drill combines raw performance with operator-focused efficiency.
Key Features:
• All Terrain technology – dual-pipe system for greater precision and versatility in rock
• Compact footprint – big power, small site impact
• Industry-first 360° camera system –full situational awareness on site
• Ultra-efficient cooling system –designed for high-heat and long runs
“The AT120 is a beast – it’s all about controlled power where you need it most.”
Joseph Gallagher secures major trenchless package for Liverpool Bay CCS project
Joseph Gallagher Limited (JGL) is proud to announce its appointment by United Living to deliver a critical programme of trenchless crossings as part of the transformative Liverpool Bay Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) initiative, a key component of the HyNet North West low-carbon energy project. With a contract valued at approximately £50 million, this latest win marks a continuation of the strong and successful collaboration between JGL and United Living. It also reinforces JGL’s position as a leader in complex trenchless engineering solutions that are vital to supporting the UK’s transition to net zero.
HyNet North West is a pioneering initiative that aims to decarbonise the North West of England and North Wales. The project encompasses lowcarbon hydrogen production, CO2 capture from both new and existing industries, a regional hydrogen distribution network, underground hydrogen storage in salt caverns, and the safe transportation and permanent storage of CO2 in Liverpool Bay. By enabling large-scale industrial decarbonisation, HyNet is set to stimulate investment, create employment opportunities, and play a critical role in helping the UK meet its net zero targets.
As part of its delivery scope, Joseph Gallagher will design and construct 53 trenchless crossings along a 35km pipeline corridor. These crossings will ensure the safe installation of the pipeline beneath a variety of sensitive and strategic features, including roads, railways, rivers, canals, woodland,
towpaths, and major oil and gas pipelines. The project will utilise a diverse range of trenchless technologies, reflecting JGL’s technical expertise and innovation in the field. Among the key elements are the construction of 24 shafts for tunnel boring machine (TBM) launch and reception, two 1200mm TBM drives of over 100m each, and twelve 1500mm TBM drives ranging from 55 to 260m. In addition, the programme includes a 36-inch horizontal directional drilling (HDD) crossing beneath the River Dee, two 20-inch auger crossings, and thirty-seven 36inch trenchless crossings.
JGL’s involvement in this project will also deliver meaningful local impact. It is expected to create around 160 roles within JGL’s scope of works, contributing to more than half of the 300 jobs projected across the wider supply chain. The project will attract inward investment into lowcarbon infrastructure, support regional skills development in
trenchless construction and engineering, and help preserve sensitive environments and critical infrastructure through advanced, non-invasive installation methods.
This latest appointment highlights Joseph Gallagher’s ongoing leadership in trenchless technology and underlines its contribution to the UK’s future energy landscape. Speaking on the appointment, a spokesperson for the company stated: “We’re proud to support United Living and ENI on this groundbreaking initiative. Delivering safe, efficient trenchless crossings on a project of this scale underlines our capability and commitment to a greener future.”
For more information about the Liverpool Bay CCS project, visit: ENI & UK Government reach financial close on Liverpool Bay CCS.
Hs2 completes Northolt tunnel excavation
The 13.5km twin-bore tunnel in London is the second longest on the high-speed route.
Excavation of HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd’s Northolt Tunnel was completed recently when the final TBM arrived at Green Park Way in Greenford, west London.
TBM Anne, the fourth of four TBMs used to dig the 13.5km twin-bore tunnel, installed the final concrete ring underground before emerging into a vent shaft.
The Northolt Tunnel will take HS2’s high-speed trains between West Ruislip at the outer edge of the capital and the new Old Oak Common super-hub station in west London. It is one of five deep twin-bore tunnels on the
225km route and the second longest behind the Chiltern Tunnel, which is 16.1km long.
The Northolt Tunnel, which is 35m below ground at its deepest point, was bored by HS2’s London tunnels contractor Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture. Two TBMs built the 8km western section from West Ruislip and two built the 5.5km eastern section from Victoria Road in North Acton.
TBM Anne, named after Lady Anne Byron, has now finished the second bore of the 5.5km eastern section, completing the tunnel excavation.
In a complex engineering operation, high water pressure in the ground at the site at Green Park Way has meant that the TBMs are finishing their drives in steel reception cans installed in two underground shafts.
The reception can method allows the TBM to maintain pressure while sealant can be applied from the tunnel lining, preventing water ingress. It is then depressurised before it is opened and the TBM is lifted out.
Yorkshire Water gives audience trenchless insight at No-Dig Roadshow
It was great to have the opportunity to hear from some of the UK’s leading water companies and suppliers at the recent No-Dig Roadshow in Sheffield.
In a packed conference theatre, Tom Ogden, Innovation Technical Specialist Yorkshire Water Waste Water Networks, gave an insightful presentation on how Yorkshire Water is employing trenchless technology to help ensure that it meets its targets and serves more than five million customers that fall within its network. Tom started off by outlining the scale of Yorkshire Water’s operation, with responsibility for managing 52,607km of sewers (recognising there is probably significantly more they don’t know about yet) and over 32,000km of clean water network. Recognising that the current AMP cycle is a big one for most water companies, Tom estimated that the company’s spend in this period was likely to be in the region of £8.3 billion, with £1.5bn alone being allocated for the reduction in storm overflows. It was also heartening to hear him recognise that the use of low-
impact trenchless technologies clearly aligns with the company’s vision for: A Thriving Yorkshire. Right for Customers, Right for the Environment.
When discussing Yorkshire Water’s current use of Trenchless Technology, Tom told the audience that the company surveys around 2.4 million metres of sewer every year and that they are working on testing and developing the use of AI coding for this CCTV footage. Another area of focus was manhole inspection, with work being undertaken to demonstrate the use of 360-degree cameras and AI to survey them more efficiently and in greater detail.
When it comes to lining, Yorkshire Water completed over 31,000 jobs between 2020 and 2025, and Tom referenced a shift in focus towards reducing the instances of infiltration. He also drew attention to the use of spray lining and an increased focus on lining laterals (100–150mm) from properties to the main sewer, particularly in cellared areas with no manhole access. It was also interesting to hear more about the Ilkley Tunnel, which has been a major area of investment over the current and previous AMP cycles. At 835m long and 2m in diameter, the tunnel has a storage capacity of over 2,500 cubic m and is designed to intercept and store storm flows from the Rivadale View CSO, reducing spills into the River Wharfe and limiting spills to just one a year.
Tom Ogden Technical Specialist (Waste Networks), Yorkshire Water
Repair replacement of end-of-life liners
Repair replacement of end-of-life liners
Ilkley Tunnel
In doing so, it protects what is the first body of water to be granted inland bathing water status in the UK, granted in 2020.
When looking to the company’s future use of trenchless technology, Tom identified two key priorities. The first is the increased use of ‘keyhole’ repairs on sewer networks. The use of suction excavation and the insertion of a liner, either upstream or downstream from the point of repair, could significantly reduce the 15,000 open-cut excavations that were required between 2020 and 2025, especially when working at depth, which means that large holes need to be dug to make the repairs safely. The use of a trenchless solution could significantly cut delays in resolving customer issues and minimise the need for road closures for extended periods.
A second really interesting area of future attention was the repair and/or replacement of end-of-life liners and what will happen to these assets when they naturally reach the end of their life. Whilst not an immediate problem, Tom cautioned that it is something we need to start thinking about as a sector in order to address a challenge that will certainly
present itself in 10 or so years’ time. Tom said they are starting to look at options for re-impregnation or lining the existing liner but pointed out that the challenge will be how we undertake these repairs without reducing the pipe diameter.
It was really fascinating to hear Tom’s update and to see how a range of trenchless solutions are being used to improve the overall efficiency of Yorkshire Water’s network. It was even more encouraging to hear that the use of trenchless technology is going to be key to maintaining and improving the network in the future, helping the company to realise what is an admirable vision.
We will hear more from our No-Dig Roadshow speakers in future editions of the magazine. The final No-Dig Roadshow of the series, which also incorporates the UKSTT Annual Awards, takes place at the beautiful De Vere Tortworth Court, Tortworth, Wottonunder-Edge on 2 October 2025. For more information visit www.nodigroadshows.co.uk or email tdorrell@westrade.co.uk
Spreading the Trenchless wordan events update from Westrade
Paul Harwood, Managing Director of Westrade, provides an update on a fantastic programme of trenchless events, highlighting an exciting schedule for the remainder of the year and into 2026.
For those interested in the UK and Ireland market, the first thing you need to do is mark your calendars for October 2, 2025. This is the date of the final event in our ever-popular No-Dig Roadshow series, staged at the stunning De Vere Tortworth Court in Tortworth, Wotton-under-Edge.
The event will also feature the UKSTT Annual Awards, hosted by vicar, journalist, and star of Channel 4’s Gogglebox, Rev. Kate Bottley, celebrating
innovation and success across this varied and increasingly vital sector. Exhibition space is almost entirely sold out but keep an eye out for details of the conference programme and visitor registration, which will be opening soon.
Next up is a truly landmark event: Trenchless Middle East, which will be held for the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Taking place on November 11 & 12 in Jeddah, this pioneering event will boast an exhibition featuring over 70 of the world’s leading suppliers and an internationally acclaimed conference programme.
Trenchless technologies are guaranteed to play a major role in delivering and maintaining the underground utilities required to support KSA’s rapid population increase and in delivering the Infrastructure Development and Vision 2030.
Following their support for TME in Dubai last year, we are delighted to confirm that the event will once again be supported by ATTME (Association Trenchless Technologies Middle East)a multidisciplinary institute for those with professional interests in the development and promotion of trenchless techniques in the region.
Visitors to Jeddah will also benefit from the opportunity to attend a two-day JPB training workshop. The event is also supported by ISTT representatives, who will be participating in both the conference programme and exhibition.
Looking ahead into next year, things don’t get any less exciting! We kick off on February 11 & 12, 2026, in North Africa with Trenchless Morocco, the first trenchless event ever to take place in the country.
Paul Harwood
The host city of Rabat was selected due to the scale of work being undertaken to improve utilities such as water, sewage, and telecommunications.
It is also ideally located near several major institutions, such as ONEE (Water & Electricity National Authority), as well as key ministries, which encourages their involvement. Rabat is also home to prestigious universities, including the Université Internationale de Rabat (UIR), the École Nationale d’Architecture (ENA), the Université Mohammed VI, and the École Mohammadia d’Ingénieurs (EMI).
From Morocco, it is a short 10,750km hop over to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand for Trenchless Asia 2026 on June 10 & 11. Now in its 15th year, we are excited to be taking Trenchless Asia back to Thailand – a move we have been planning for some time.
As Southeast Asia continues its rapid urbanisation, the demand for sustainable underground infrastructure solutions has never been greater. Trenchless Asia 2026 is set to be a pivotal platform for suppliers, planners, and government officials to connect, collaborate,
and drive progress. Just under a year out, we are already confident that this will be the biggest Trenchless Asia to date.
Last, and definitely not least, we have No-Dig Live 2026 –the world’s largest dedicated trenchless exhibition and one of the UK’s largest underground utilities events.
We return to NAEC Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, from Tuesday, September 29, to Thursday, October 1, to build on the fantastic event there in 2023. If you want to be part of what is arguably the flagship event for the global trenchless sector, I urge you to reach out to Trevor Dorrell, our Sales Director, as soon as possible as space is selling fast.
I hope it was useful to give you a bit of insight into our upcoming programme. If you want to be involved in any of the events as an exhibitor, sponsor, or visitor, please visit the relevant website and reach out to a member of our team who will look after you.
I look forward to seeing you at an event soon!
Paul
New markets & the importance of training
Frank Reilly Director JBP’s Trenchless, Training Programme
Cities globally are facing ongoing and mounting pressure to modernise and expand their water and wastewater infrastructure. Trenchless technologies are well-established as costeffective, low-disruption solutions for smart cities. Mature markets continue to innovate and upgrade their networks using wellestablished trenchless methods and technologies and at the same time, new opportunities continue to emerge in rapidly developing markets. Significant potential for trenchless methods is evident across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin and South America, and Sub-Saharan Africa – but this potential can only be realised if it is paired with robust training, adherence to standards, and skills development.
Unlocking potential in emerging regions
Several key regions stand out as promising growth areas. In Southeast Asia, countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines are undergoing rapid urbanisation, with expanding city populations placing unprecedented demands on ageing sewer networks. National infrastructure plans, often supported by international donors, prioritise low-impact, climate-resilient technologies, making trenchless methods an obvious fit.
In Africa, a similar story is unfolding. Water scarcity, coupled with increasing environmental regulation and urban expansion, is forcing municipalities to seek smarter infrastructure solutions. The demand for trenchless technologies, particularly the rehabilitation of deteriorating pipelines and the installation of new systems with minimal surface disruption is growing. However, local capacity and experience are often limited, creating a parallel demand for training and knowledge transfer.
India and South Asia offer another significant opportunity. India’s Smart Cities Mission and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation
and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) have identified an urgent need for infrastructure modernisation. Trenchless rehabilitation techniques like CIPP and pipe bursting are well suited to congested urban environments, yet successful implementation depends on the availability of trained personnel, clear specifications, and quality assurance procedures.
Across Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the wider Middle East, similar needs are emerging. Trenchless technologies are providing solutions to geographical, environmental and logistical challenges that traditional open-cut methods struggle to overcome.
The high cost of poor knowledge and
failures
Adopting trenchless methods without sufficient expertise can result in costly outcomes, both financially and in terms of reputation. Inexperienced contractors, poorly trained crews, or misapplied technologies can lead to failed installations and premature rehabilitation failures.
These incidents not only waste public resources but also more
significantly damage confidence in the adoption of trenchless methods. Such failures can have a long-lasting impact.
In markets where trenchless technology is still gaining a foothold, even a single highprofile failure can stall further investment and adoption. Engineers and authorities, already cautious about unfamiliar technologies, may retreat to traditional open-cut methods despite their higher social and environmental costs. We cannot overstate the importance of training, not only in technical execution but also in inspection, supervision, and project planning.
The
role of standards and certification
Central to successful implementation is the consistent use of recognised standards and certification frameworks. Standards provide a common language for specifying, designing and evaluating trenchless projects. They also serve as a benchmark for training curricula and competency development.
Certification of professionals and contractors reinforces accountability and ensures a consistent level of competence. In emerging markets, and indeed in all markets, structured certification schemes, often in partnership with international training organisations and local institutions, help build trust among stakeholders and ensure that projects are delivered to recognised performance criteria.
Training: The cornerstone of sustainable adoption
The adoption of trenchless methods in new markets cannot be achieved simply by
exporting technology. It must be accompanied by real knowledge transfer, investment in local skills, education, and standardsbased practice. Proper training ensures that projects are not only successfully delivered, but that they comply with international standards and deliver long-term value.
Training also supports the development of local supply chains. By equipping contractors, utility managers, and engineers with the knowledge to assess, specify, and execute trenchless solutions, countries can reduce their reliance on foreign labour and develop sustainable local expertise.
Furthermore, training acts as a bridge between commercial interests and public benefit. It allows suppliers and technology providers to engage meaningfully with clients, not merely to sell products, but to ensure that they are applied correctly and safely. This collaborative approach, integrating manufacturers, trainers, academic institutions, and utilities is critical for the long-term success of
trenchless technology in emerging markets, just as it is in established markets.
As the trenchless industry expands its global footprint, the importance of training, standards, and certification cannot be overstated. To realise the full potential of these new markets, we must ensure that knowledge and expertise travel just as far as technology itself.
P.S. Give you feedback on your training priorities in the 3rd of our monthly polls on LinkedIn.
In the next issue: Business and Academia – a win-win collaboration.
How recently have you accessed any training?
NO-DIG ROADSHOW SERIES 2025
With the UKSTT Annual Awards Ceremony
2 October 2025
Tortworth Court, Bristol www.nodigroadshows.co.uk
TRENCHLESS MIDDLE EAST 2025
Jeddah Hilton, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 11-12 November 2025 www.trenchlessmiddleeast.com
Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre Bangkok, Thailand www.trenchlessasia.com
NO-DIG LIVE 2026
29th September – 1st October 2026
NAEC Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire www.nodiglive.co.uk
A message from the Chair
Whilst the good dry weather continues is easy to forget that our underground assets are still suffering from decades of underinvestment, so I was pleased to see that in this AMP it has been recognised by OFWAT and a far greater emphasis has been placed on improving the condition of these valuable assets.
This should offer a lot more opportunities for Trenchless options to be utilised as we all know that they are generally more cost effective and certainly less disruptive not to mention far more carbon efficient.
My only hope is that these large enforcement packages being levied on certain water companies by Ofwat does not reduce the amount of essential investment that they need to make to upgrade our infrastructure.
We are lucky as members of the UKSTT to have access not only to the huge database of knowledge available on the ISTT website but in learning and sharing experiences with other trenchless installations worldwide.
Entries are now closed for the UKSTT awards 2025 and all submissions are now with the judges.
All shortlisted entries will be notified by 27th August. I just wish to thank all those who entered and look forward to meeting the winners at our annual dinner.
The third council meeting of year last week was held last week and would like to thank everyone that managed to attend, we covered a great deal during the day and we welcomed Francieli Thums from Wessex Water who has now been officially co-opted onto the council.
We are looking forward to our next New to Trenchless Industry Network which is Online taking place on 17th July at 2pm. The focus for this meeting is Investigation and assessment. You can still register through the UKSTT website. https://www. ukstt.org.uk/
This is followed by our Masterclass on 4th September which will be held at Woodland Grange Hotel Leamington Spa. The session will be covering Renewal and New Installation and will include Directional Drilling,Tunnelling Techniques for Networks and online replacement of Utility networks.
Again please visit our website or contact UKSTT direct to register. Click Here
A big thank you to everyone involved in setting up, organising and hosting these two great events with special thanks to Iain Naismith , Tim Sargent and Silvana Alfieri.
May I wish you and your families a relaxing summer break.
Kind regards Graham
Graham Howard, Chair, UKSTT
Figures from 2024 Event
1456
64
The MOST POPULAR Trenchless Event in the intersection of EUROPE, ASIA and MIDDLE EAST
“This year, we allocated more than 1 Trillion Liras (33 Billion USD) from the central government budget to heal the earthquake wounds and build more resilient cities in the Türkiye Century.”
Cevdet
Yılmaz, Deputy President of Türkiye, 05 February 2024
SOCIETY
NEWS
A message from the Chair
Dear ISTT Members,
It is about time for you to arrange your trip to Int No Dig 2025 Vancouver. Please check the conference website to register to the conference and exhibition. We will also have our International Council meeting, awards to deliver and elections to vote; in addition, we will have chairman dinner and welcome reception to integrate your professional network. In addition, we will elect new chairman, 1 vice chairman, and 2 new BoD members, please do not forget to nominate and campaign for those new positions.
As you may be aware that we have more national, regional, international No Dig events in 2025, so please do not forget to check the ISTT event calendar in the ISTT website. In 2025, I have attended the no dig events in Tianjin(China), Denver (USA), and Krakow (Poland) in March and April, 2025 ITTC (Suzhou China) and Trenchless Asia (Kuala Lumpur Malaysia) in May, and ITEC 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It is worth noting that there are more bi-lateral and multi-lateral cooperation between regional societies in Europe and Asia. And it could be essential in developing new technologies and good business for the need in different regions. Through the regional events, the organizing societies can more successfully
attracted the spotlight by integrating the governing sector, consultants, contractors, suppliers in trenchless business, also created more cooperation between the affiliated societies in their region. As you may be aware that we plan to hold new events in Middle East, India, and Asia for the next few months. Therefore, I strongly suggest you consider to attend these local and regional No Dig conferences. As before, we will have more ISTT educational webinars, please do not forget to check the notice and register in ISTT website.
Our new website is now open to the public now. Please feel free to provide your suggestions to me or our ED such that we could provide better service through this new website. As a member of ISTT, I hope you could contribute more input to our strategic plan and join the ISTT committees if possible, because you are the owner of ISTT.
I look forward to see you soon in Vancouver.
All The Best
Keh-Jian (Albert) Shou Chair, ISTT
Keh-Jian (Albert) Shou, Chairman, ISTT
ISTT News brought to members by Trenchless Works
Call for Papers: ISTT Albert Shou Student Scholarship 2025
The International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the Albert Shou Student Scholarship, specifically for our Affiliated Societies. We invite students from your society to apply for this scholarship, which aims to support exceptional academic research in trenchless technology.
We kindly request your assistance in sharing this opportunity with qualified students in this field.
Membership in your society is not required; however, the submission must be approved by your society before it is submitted by either the student or the society staff. Your involvement will help ensure that talented students gain recognition within our global community.
Thanks to Our Sponsor:
We are grateful to Asoe Hose Manufacturing Inc. of Jiangsu, China (ASOE) for establishing the ISTT Albert Shou Student Scholarship with an annual fund of $10,000, committed for a minimum of three years.
Key Items:
• Submissions must be approved by the local Affiliated Society before submission (a checkbox is available within the form).
• Students should use the official paper template and submission form (links below).
• The winner will have the opportunity to present their paper at the International No-Dig Vancouver/NoDig North 2025 (27-29 October 2025), but the form of presentation can be negotiated at a later date.
• To see the full information, please see HERE.
• Deadline: August 15, 2025, 17:00 US EDT
Essential Links for Students:
• Paper Template Download (Guideline Included)
• Submission Form (You will need two images that represent your entry)
Award Details:
• Scholarship funds will be awarded to qualifying student papers, as determined by the ISTT judging panel.
• The total scholarship fund of $10,000 may be awarded as follows:
• Best Paper Award: $4,000 to one recipient.
• Awarded Papers: $2,000 each to three recipients.
For questions, direct students to: info@istt.com
First Peruvian Congress and Exhibition on Trenchless
Latin American Trenchless Technology Society for Trenchless Technology (LAMSTT) Peruvian Association of Engineers, Peruvian Association of Tunnels and Underground Arlex Toro (LAMSTT), dir.ejecutiva@
Join this event to shape the future of trenchless technology
ISTT Educational Webinar: HDD design and installation of high-pressure pipelines subjected to large temperature fluctuations
Event details:
• Date: 12 September 2025, 14:00 -15:00 GMT
• Event type: Webinar (Zoom Meeting)
• Speaker: Sebastiaan Maan and Jaap Joosse/ BT Engineering B.V., The Netherlands
Sector Manager Cables and Pipelines, BT Engineering B.V., The Netherlands
Jaap Joosse
Senior Geotechnical and Pipeline Engineering, BT Engineering B.V., The Netherlands
Overview
As part of a larger project, two parallel Horizontal Directional Drills (HDDs) were installed for pipelines with a diameter of 500 mm and a length of 1800m. These pipelines were designed to withstand a pressure of 80 bar and had to accommodate temperature fluctuations of up to 70 degrees Celsius. Due to restrictions in the right-of-way for the project, conventional expansion loops or other temperature compensation measures were not permitted. In the presentation, the team discussed the trade-offs of various solutions considered for this challenge. The final solution was thoroughly analysed by assessing the effects of a collapsed borehole in various locations, the impact of borehole deviation, sensitivity to temperature changes, and more.
About Sebastiaan Maan
Sebastiaan Maan has a background in Civil Engineering. He finished his master’s at TU Delft in 2014 and has been working at BT Engineering ever since. He started out as an engineer in geotechnical engineering but soon started combining this field with pipeline engineering. In HDD engineering, both fields are necessary to cover all the risks involved in engineering and execution. Sebastiaan has engineered and directed the execution of many HDDs over the years, both in his home country, the Netherlands, and internationally.
About Jaap Joosse
Jaap Joosse has a background in geotechnical and hydraulic engineering. He finished his Master’s at the TU Delft. During his professional career, he finished a master’s degree in pipeline technology with a specialization in soil-pipe interaction parameters/ behaviour and pipe trenching soil retaining structures. After a brief period working as an offshore geotechnical engineer, Jaap started working at BT Engineering. He filled a diverse range of technical roles, such as Technical Manager and Lead pipeline and piping Engineer in all kinds of pipeline projects in the Netherlands and internationally. He published the article “Design optimisation of retaining walls in narrow trenches using both analytical and numerical methods.”
Note: This educational webinar is hosted by ISTT. The live session is open to non-members, but archived videos will be accessible only to members. Members can download the presentation files at no cost, while non-members can purchase them on our website.
Register Now!
Von Mises Stress, Middle: Axial Displacement, Bottom: Axial Force Under Temperature Variation
HDD Construction Site Overview
Early bird rates available until 1 October 2025
Discount for ISTT members
The gala dinner ticket is also available from the same registration page
https://nastt.org/ no-dig-north/registration-
Don’t miss out on the early bird
Introducing ISTT Whisperer – a new AI feature on the ISTT website
The ISTT Technology and Education Committee is pleased to introduce a revolutionary new feature on our website: ISTT Whisperer.
What is ISTT Whisperer?
ISTT Whisperer is a cutting-edge AI feature now available on our Trenchless Technology Chart page. This innovative tool allows users to ask any questions related to trenchless technology and receive instant answers based on the comprehensive information available on our trenchless technology chart page.
Key features:
• Voice-activated: Simply speak your questions - the Whisperer can hear and understand you
• Dual response: Get answers both in text and verbally
• Instant access: No need to browse through multiple pages - get prompt answers directly
• Multilingual support: Available in 10 languages
• User-friendly: Simply visit the page and begin asking questions (no login needed)
Usage guidelines:
• Current session duration: 5 minutes
• If you exceed the time limit, please wait a moment and try again
• No need to log in as an ISTT member
This feature represents our commitment to making trenchless technology information more accessible and user-friendly for our global community.
We want your feedback!
Please share your experience and suggestions with us at info@istt.com. Your input will help us continue improving this innovative tool.
AFFILIATED SOCIETIES
ISTT Affiliated Societies around the world
Austrian Association for Trenchless Technology (AATT)
c/o TU Wien Resselgasse 5, 1040 Wien, Austria
Phone: +43 664 5184084
Email: office@grabenlos.at Web: www.grabenlos.at
Brazilian Association for Trenchless Technology (ABRATT)
Alameda Santos, 1773 – Jardim Paulista Sao Paulo 01419-002 Brazil
Iberian Society for Trenchless Technology (IBSTT) C/ Josefa Valcarcel, 8 – 3a PTLA 28027, Madrid, Spain Phone: +34 913 202 884
Email: ibstt@ibstt.org Web: www.ibstt.org
Japan Society for Trenchless Technology (JSTT)
3rd Floor, Reed-C Bldg., 2-11-18, Tomioka, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0047 Japan
Phone: +81 3 5639 9970
Email: office@jstt.jp Web: www.jstt.jp
Latin American Society for Trenchless Technology (LAMSTT) Medellín Highway (Calle 80) KM3.5 via Bogotá-Siberia south side, Bogotá Terrestrial Cargo Terminal, Office C-12, Cota – Cundinamarca, Colombia
Netherlands Society for Trenchless Technology (NSTT)
Postbus 79, 3769 ZH Soesterberg, Netherlands
Phone: +31 346 723450
Email: info@nstt.nl Web: www.nstt.nl
Scandinavian Society for Trenchless Technology (SSTT)
Gezelius väg 12, 134 31 Gustavsberg Sweden Phone: +46(0) 70 438 01 54 Email: Kontakt@sstt.se Web: www.sstt.se
United Kingdom Society for Trenchless Technology (UKSTT) Camden House, Warwick Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1TH, UK
Phone: +44 (0)192 651 3773
Email: admin@ukstt.org.uk Web: www.ukstt.org.uk
UKSTT Annual Awards Dinner 2025
Join us for the annual UKSTT Awards Dinner on the evening of Thursday 2 October in partnership with Westrade Group Ltd at the Bristol No-Dig Roadshow, De Vere Tortworth Court.
Venue:
Dress Code:
Date:
Time:
Tickets:
De Vere Tortworth Court, Tortworth, Wotton under Edge, GL12 8HH
Black Tie Preferable
Thursday 2 October 7.30pm till late
Early Bird Rate £195 + VAT
Standard Rate £230 + VAT
Early bird tickets must be booked and paid for by 31 July 2025
On arrival, guests will enjoy a champagne reception before sitting down to enjoy a fantastic 3 course meal. The event will showcase and recognise this year’s best performing and most innovative trenchless technologies.
We are pleased to announce our guest speaker will be the Reverend Kate Bottley.
For further details about our sponsorship opportunities, please contact Trevor Dorrell on tdorrell@westrade.co.uk or +44(0)1923 723 990
Further details are available - www.nodigroadshows.co.uk/ukstt-awards-2025/
Hosted by
EVENTS AND MEETINGS 2025
October 2 No-Dig Roadshow and UKSTT Awards: Bristol, Tortworth Court www.nodigroadshows.co.uk
October 27-29 International No-Dig 2025 Vancouver Convention Center Email: info@istt.com
October 27-29 NASTT 2025 No-Dig North & ISTT International No-Dig – Vancouver, BC Vancouver Convention Centre nastt.org/no-dig-north
November 5- 6 No-Dig Turkey 2025 Conference and Exhibition: WOW Convention Center Email: ytorun@akated.com www.nodigturkey.com
November 11-12 Trenchless Middle East 2025 Jeddah Hilton, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia www.trenchlessmiddleeast.com
2026
February 11-12 Trenchless Morocco 2026 Marriott Hotel, Rabat
April 22 - 24, 2026 ITTC 2026 The 29th China International Trenchless Technology Conference and Exhibition The National Convention and Exhibition Center, Tianjin, China Email: ITTC@cstt.com https://en.cstt.org.cn/
Trenchless Middle East 2026 Dubai 2026
June 10-11 Trenchless Asia 2026
Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre Bangkok, Thailand www.trenchlessasia.com
September 29 - October 1 No-Dig Live 2026 NAEC Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire www.nodiglive.co.uk
No-Dig Roadshow Series 2026 www.nodigroadshows.co.uk
If you have an event, course or meeting scheduled and would like to add it to this listing please forward details to: editorial@trenchless-works.com
