Joseph Gallagher Secures Major Contract to Deliver Critical Trenchless Crossings for United Living on the Liverpool Bay CCS project in the North West

Joseph Gallagher Limited (JGL) is proud to announce its appointment by United Living, marking a continuation of the strong working relationship between the two organisations, to deliver a major package of trenchless construction works as part of the transformative HyNet North West project.

With a contract value of circa £50 million, this project reinforces JGL’s expertise in complex underground engineering and its commitment to advancing the UK's low-carbon energy infrastructure.

About the HyNet North West Project

HyNet North West is a pioneering initiative at the heart of the UK's transition to a low-carbon future. Designed to transform the region’s energy landscape, it focuses on:

• Low-carbon hydrogen production combined with CO₂ capture.
• Creation of a hydrogen distribution network delivering clean fuel to industrial users.
• Development of underground hydrogen storage in salt caverns.
• Facilities to capture CO₂ emissions from new and existing industries.
• Safe CO₂ transportation and permanent storage in Liverpool Bay.

This project will significantly decarbonise the North West of England and North Wales, driving inward investment, creating jobs, and contributing to the UK’s net zero targets.

Joseph Gallagher’s Scope of Works 

JGL’s scope covers the design and construction of 53 trenchless crossings across a 35km pipeline route. These crossings ensure safe pipeline installation beneath critical infrastructure and natural features.

Key elements include:

Crossings under:

• 34 roads
  • 4 railways
  • 8 major oil & gas pipelines
  • 2 rivers
  • 1 canal
  • 1 brook
  • 1 woodland
  • 2 tow paths

Construction on the HyNet project will involve a wide range of trenchless techniques, showcasing Joseph Gallagher Limited’s technical expertise. Works will include the installation of 24 shafts to facilitate tunnel boring machine (TBM) crossings, alongside two 1200mm TBM drives in excess of 100 metres.  In addition, twelve 1500mm TBM drives will be delivered, spanning lengths of 55 metres up to 260 metres. The project also incorporates a 20-inch Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) crossing and a significant 36-inch crossing beneath the River Dee. Further installations will comprise two 20-inch auger crossings and thirty-seven 36-inch crossings, ensuring seamless and safe passage beneath existing infrastructure and natural features.