In 2016, MHWirth launched its pile top drill rig PBA 615 for drilling diameters up to 2m. One of these machines is currently operating in Mumbai, India, for the Mumbai Port extension project. 

 

One of the oldest ports in India, the Mumbai Port Trust, is located at the east coast of Mumbai mainland. To prepare for further growth, the port will be extended by a fifth oil terminal at Jawhar Deep. The work is being executed by ITD Cementation India.

 

For construction of the 2,500m-long approach trestle, more than 600 piles 1.2m in diameter are currently being drilled at a drilling depth of up to 45m. The geology is abrasive Mumbai basalt with rock strengths varying between 50MPa and 80MPa.

 

"With a performance-optimised machine design our reliable PBA 615 achieves more than 50% higher penetration rates than conventional solutions on the market," said Shakti Chand Verma, director of MHWirth India. 

 

Jayanta Basu, executive VP and chief operating officer at ITD Cementation India, added: "MHWirth's technologically advanced solution shows a very good drilling performance during the project. Additionally, we benefit from their local presence in India with highly skilled service personnel."

 

The PBA 615 combines a small footprint with light weight and increased performance, the company said. The compact footprint is particularly beneficial on tight jobsites and it allows drilling closer to existing walls. Additionally, the new PBA 615 and the corresponding power unit HP IVa feature various improvements for increased user-friendliness and HSE performance, including possible operation with biodegradable oil or spillage protection due to an integrated tray.

 

MHWirth's portfolio for foundation drilling covers a diameter range from 0.6m to 7.0m, and provides an efficient solution for foundations in mixed and hard rock.