MSVs from TMS for tunnel construction under the Panama Canal
Milestone beneath one of the world’s most important waterways
Since September 2024, the Herrenknecht TBM “Panama”, with a diameter of 13.5 meters, has been excavating a 4.5 km tunnel under the Panama Canal, the key structure of the future Metro Line 3. The new metro line will significantly improve mobility between the western suburbs and downtown Panama City, reducing travel times and easing pressure on heavily congested roads.
In early 2026, the construction consortium HPH (Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Posco Engineering & Construction and Hyundai Engineering) reached an important milestone with breakthrough at the Balboa jobsite after safely passing beneath the canal. The tunnel drive continues, with the final 1.5 km remaining before completion.
Operating at depths of up to 60 meters below sea level and under challenging geological and pressure conditions, the TBM has demonstrated high performance while complying with strict safety requirements to ensure uninterrupted operation of the Panama Canal above.
Heavy-duty MSVs for adaptable tunnel logistics
To support underground logistics, TMS has supplied three heavy-duty Multi-Service Vehicles (MSVs) designed for TBM feeding and segment transport. Each vehicle offers a payload capacity of up to 120 tons and features a robust multi-axle configuration adapted to the project’s requirements.
Depending on operational needs, the MSVs are equipped with dedicated supports for segment stacks, road elements or monorail components, enabling safe handling and precise positioning during transport. The same vehicles are also used for maintenance activities and personnel transport.
A particular technical challenge of this project lies in the wide variation of load configurations: from transporting 120 tons of segments to operating in maintenance mode with significantly lower loads. Speed control and safety systems are adapted accordingly to ensure stable and reliable operation under all conditions.
TMS is pleased to support this unique and demanding infrastructure project and thanks the customer for the trust placed in its technology. Together with the project partners, TMS looks forward to the successful completion of the remaining tunnel section
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