BSS Welcomes “Naw”: The Second HF8C Hydrofraise® Gripper Arrives in Singapore
We are proud to announce the arrival of our second HF8C Hydrofraise® Gripper machine at CR206 – Maju Station. This marks a significant milestone in our continuous investment in cutting-edge foundation technologies.
As part of Soletanche Bachy tradition, each of our Hydrofraise machines is named after one of our outstanding female colleagues. This newest addition has been named “Naw”, in honour of our respected Project Manager, Ms. Naw Thandar Nyunt, who has contributed 17 years of dedicated service to our company. Her leadership, commitment and passion truly reflect the spirit behind this powerful machine.
Why Bring a Second HF8C to Singapore?
Our first HF8C, “Ellen”, was introduced in September 2023 and quickly impressed clients, consultants, and partners. Its performance exceeded expectations in terms of productivity, precision, and adaptability across complex ground conditions. The positive feedback and increased demand for such capabilities led to a strategic decision — to bring in a second HF8C unit to strengthen our diaphragm wall excavation in Singapore.
Today, we proudly owns:
- 1 unit of HF8G®
- 1 unit of HC05®
- 2 units of HF8C®
This makes us the only sister company in Asia with two HF8C Hydrofraise® machines in operation — a clear testament to our leadership in geotechnical engineering and commitment to operational excellence.
What Makes “Naw” Special?
The HF8C “Naw” is not just another machine — she’s equipped with advanced features that push the boundaries of trench cutting in urban and hard rock environments:
✔️ Gripper technology delivering up to 150 tonnes of pushing force — ideal for hard and challenging strata
✔️ Reduced vibrations, contributing to a safer, quieter worksite — especially important in densely populated areas
✔️ Compact footprint, making it perfectly suited for tight access and urban project sites
✔️ Integrated digital technologies for real-time control, performance monitoring, and operational supervision
Two Years in the Making
Bringing “Naw” to life was not easy. It took two years of planning, coordination, and collaboration between our R&D department in Montereau France. In preparation, we also sent our operators to France for hands-on training with the team to ensure they were fully equipped to handle this high-performance equipment safely and efficiently.
With “Naw” now on site at CR206 Maju Station, we are excited to continue delivering excellence in foundation works and meet the expectations of our partners and clients.
