Shanghai Metro Line 13 – Customized Electrical Solutions for Tunnel Boring Machines

Customer Background

Tianhe Mechanical Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of CCCC (a Fortune Global 500 company), is a leading manufacturer of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and marine shipbuilding equipment. The company delivers integrated services across rail transit, civil works, and road construction.

Project Overview

• Project: Shanghai Metro Line 13 (Secondary Line Extension)

• Location: Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China

• Application: Shield Machine Electrical Control Box

• Scope of Supply: Busbar system, MCB adapters, motor protection switches, copper bars, and busbar supports

• Quantity: 1 customized set

Tianhe Mechanical invested RMB 12.6 billion into this metro expansion. Previously, most of their electrical components were sourced from European suppliers. GRL’s challenge was to deliver a reliable, fully customized alternative that could equal or exceed international quality standards while ensuring strong technical support.

Challenges

1. Customization Requirement
   The project required a unique busbar system tailored specifically for the shield machine’s control box, even though it involved only a single set. GRL’s engineering team spent nearly a month on design iterations and technical validation.

2. Harsh Working Environment
   The shield machine operates deep underground, exposed to high humidity, water ingress, and constant vibration. The electrical system had to guarantee long-term durability and stability without performance loss.

3. Communication and Trust
   To replace long-trusted European suppliers, GRL needed not only technical reliability but also efficient communication, on-time delivery, and responsive after-sales support.

GRL’s Solution

GRL delivered a fully customized solution that addressed every client’s concern:

• 100% Custom-Fit Design
  A dedicated cross-functional project team—including sales, product, production managers, and three engineers—collaborated closely with the client through meetings, calls, and site visits, ensuring every technical requirement was satisfied.

• Enhanced Performance
  GRL developed custom MCB adapters that passed stringent vibration tests and proved reliable in humid tunnel conditions, maintaining stable operation for over 18 months.

• On-Site Technical Support
  Two GRL engineers were deployed directly to the Shanghai Metro construction site, assisting with the debugging and commissioning of the shield machine’s electrical control system. Their presence ensured smooth integration and minimized downtime.

• Safe, Compact, and Efficient Design
  The busbar system optimized cabinet space, supported multiple MCCB brands for easier maintenance, and incorporated insulated protective covers for improved operator safety.

  

Customer Feedback

Mr. Lee, Purchasing Engineer at Tianhe Mechanical, noted:

“GRL is a very efficient team. They established a dedicated project team for Shanghai Metro Line 13, which greatly improved communication. Their busbar system products are of high quality and passed the vibration test, which was essential. GRL’s engineers are very professional and always respond quickly to technical issues. We have upgraded GRL to a higher supplier level, which will support further cooperation in the future.”

Why GRL?

This project demonstrates GRL’s capability to deliver tailored, high-performance electrical solutions under the most demanding conditions. From detailed design to on-site commissioning, GRL combined strong engineering expertise, reliable product quality, and seamless teamwork to gain the trust of a top-tier client in China’s rail transit industry.