The foundation for safe, reliable immersed tunnels
Immersed tunnels play a vital role in modern transport networks, where long-term reliability has an impact on safety, connectivity, and economic resilience. Effective watertight sealing is critical to protect tunnel structures from water ingress, progressive deterioration, and unplanned disruption, all of which can compromise safety and significantly increase lifecycle costs. Through a lifecycle-focused approach, Trelleborg helps tunnel owners and contractors manage structural movement and extreme environmental conditions, enabling immersed tunnels to operate safely, reliably, and sustainably for generations.
Our core capabilities
Design engineering
Our global engineering team supports customers in identifying and designing the optimal solution for each project, providing technical support, advanced design capabilities, and finite element analysis tailored to specific project requirements.
Product excellence
Designed and manufactured to last for over 120 years, our Gina gaskets, Omega seals and Waterstops represents the most optimal solution to make your infrastructure watertight.
Onsite field service
From expert installation support to field testing, inspection and maintenance, our skilled field service team ensures continuous watertight performance across the full tunnel lifecycle.
What we do: Securing long-term watertight performance
We Design
Global engineering expertise to support reliable performance from the start
We Manufacture
In-house, state-of-the-art manufacturing for consistent quality at global scale
We Test
Proven performance through rigorous testing before delivery and on the field
We Inspect
Assessment of existing tunnels with clear recommendations to maintain watertight integrity.
We Service
Experienced on-site support to ensure long-term watertight performance
We Validate
Documented, verified work to provide peace of mind and traceability.
Proven across critical tunnel applications
Immersion Joints
Immersion joints form the critical interfaces between immersed tunnel elements and are required to maintain long-term watertight performance. This is delivered through a combined Gina gasket and Omega seal system, installed using controlled precision clamping.
Segment Joints
Segment joints connect tunnel segments and must accommodate movement while remaining watertight over the long term. This is achieved using Waterstops, Calamity gaskets, and high-performance ACME and AM seals, designed to withstand pressure and structural movement.
Bulkhead Seals
Bulkhead seals temporarily prevent water ingress into tunnel elements during immersion. Once immersion joints are activated, the seals are removed together with the bulkhead panels and reused.
Closure Joints
Closure joints seal the interface between the final immersed tunnel element and the completed tunnel structure. This is achieved using specifically engineered primary and secondary seals to ensure long-term watertight integrity.
Pin & Catch System
Engineered rubber mantles absorb impact and dampen vibrations during the connection and locking of immersed tunnel elements. This protects concrete segments and seals while reducing the risk of damage and delays.
Global references
Featured Video
Featured Resources
Immersed Tunnel Sealing Systems Brochure
With over 60 years of experience, Trelleborg delivers advanced sealing systems that ensure long-term durability, flexibility, and watertight performance under extreme conditions.
Keeping Immersed Tunnels Watertight for 120 years
Take a look at some of the most exciting projects we’ve been part of and delve deeper into our tailor-made engineered solutions in some of the most technically complex and challenging environments.
Discover a best-practice approach to sealing systems
Designing a watertight immersed tunnel requires deep expertise and decades of craftsmanship, as well as the use of high-quality, tested materials that can endure today’s high water pressures and increased risk of seismic movements.
World's Widest Immersed Tunnel, ShenZhong Link
Trelleborg to supply its industry leading tunnel sealing solutions to China's ShenZhong Link, the largest and widest immersed tunnel in the world upon completion in 2024 .
