Grand Paris Express: TBM Marine Tunneling Line 15 East.

TBM Marine initiates excavation for Grand Paris Express Line 15 East! The **tunnel boring machine** will create a 5-kilometer tunnel, a vital **railway** infrastructure project.

Grand Paris Express: TBM Marine Tunneling Line 15 East.
October 24, 2025 8:54 am

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Introduction

Tunnel boring machine (TBM) Marine commenced excavation on October 13 from the Agnès shaft in Aubervilliers, marking a key advancement in the Grand Paris Express (GPE) Line 15 East project.

Main Content

TBM Marine Deployment

The TBM Marine, named on September 25th in honor of Marine Dondel, project manager for the Aubervilliers sector at the Société des Grands Projets (SGP), initiated its excavation at a depth of 25 metres. Its mission involves creating a 5-kilometer tunnel as part of Package 2 of line 15 East.

Project Scope and Objectives

The excavated tunnel will link Bobigny and the Normandie-Niemen structure, with a completion target set for the end of 2027. This section represents the initial excavation phase of line 15 East. The TBM Marine is the 32nd TBM to be deployed on the Grand Paris Express.

Technological Aspects

The TBM was designed to handle the variable geology of the Aubervilliers–Bobigny section. In alignment with SGP’s circular economy principles, the TBM utilizes recycled components from previous GPE machines, aiming to prolong equipment lifespan, cut expenses, and minimize waste.

Contractual and Management Framework

SGP employs an innovative design-build contract model to manage the project, providing support throughout all stages, from design and construction to commissioning. Teams are actively providing technical project management support for both lines 15 East and 15 West.

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Conclusion

The TBM Marine is excavating a 5-kilometer tunnel for line 15 East, expected to be finished by the end of 2027. The overall completion of line 15 is scheduled for the end of 2031.

Company Summary

Société des Grands Projets (SGP): The SGP is responsible for the Grand Paris Express project.

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