News
30 Dec 2024

American Augers DD600 – the only drilling machine of its kind in Bulgaria begins work on the “Vertical Gas Corridor”

"GBS Energy Solutions", part of Glavbolgarstroy, implements innovations in the strategic project for our country.

For the first time on the territory of Bulgaria a specialized horizontal drilling machine “American Augers DD600” will be used. “GBS Energy Solutions”, part of Glavbolgarstroy, will implement the technology in the routes of the country's strategic project "Vertical Gas Corridor".

The high-tech machine arrives from the USA and includes complete equipment and additional systems that will allow it to pass through hard-to-reach sections. This makes it one of the most efficient and innovative drilling systems ever used in the country.

Technological power and unique capabilities

The American Augers DD600 is a 300-ton horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machine that is designed to overcome significant obstacles such as rivers, railroads and highways. The “American Augers DD600” can drill large diameter and length boreholes, making it highly suitable for complex infrastructure projects.

With the capability to drill significantly greater distances than conventional technologies, it will operate at four locations along the Struma River crossings and around the Strumeshnica River, as well as other key sections along the strategic gas corridor route.

High-tech equipment

The following additional high-tech equipment is planned for the drilling rig to build on its efficiency and versatility: a high-pressure water pump, a bentonite recycling and mixing system, as well as specialised drilling equipment - rods, reamers and drill heads.

The implementation of the American Augers DD600 provides multiple benefits for the company, which specializes in the construction of specialized line infrastructure. The machine replaces previous drilling methods that could not achieve the same level of efficiency, precision and scale. To operate the DD600, a team of drillers has undergone specialist training in the USA, ensuring that the technology will be used to maximum efficiency.

"The American Augers DD600 is the only machine of its class in the Balkans. The nearest similar equipment is located in Germany and is booked for work on projects until the end of 2026, underlining the importance of having such an innovation in Bulgaria. “It is a great advantage for us to have such high-tech equipment because it will not only accelerate our work on the Vertical Gas Corridor, but will also lay the foundation for future infrastructure projects that require high-tech solutions," said Zara Kiziryan-Kalcheva, CEO of GBS Energy Solutions.

With the implementation of this technology, Glavbolgarstroy once again demonstrates its leadership in the construction of strategic projects, relying on innovation and efficiency that meet the highest international standards.

Investments in new technologies and equipment

This is not the first high-level mechanisation that GBS Energy Solutions has introduced into its arsenal. The company follows global trends in terms of specialized equipment and new technologies and aims to integrate high-end machinery to cover large-scale projects related to the strategic development of Bulgaria.

Over the last year, the company, part of Glavbolgarstroy, has invested in drilling machines, drying plants, welding equipment and much more. In order to be able to use the full capacity of the machines, which arrive from abroad, the company insists on the thorough training of its teams, who undergo specialized training to work with the specific equipment outside Bulgaria.