The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, currently under construction and the world's longest sea-crossing bridge, has a total length of nearly 50 kilometers. Upon completion, it will connect Hong Kong, Macao, and Zhuhai, forming a rapid transport corridor for southern traffic in the Pearl River Delta region. The Hong Kong branch of Bauer Spezialtiefbau GmbH of Germany participated in this major infrastructure project.

　The sea-crossing bridge consists of a series of independent structures, such as cable-stayed bridges and a 6.7-kilometer undersea tunnel, as well as channels that allow the continuous passage of large vessels. Offshore artificial islands form its nodes, and all structures are connected by viaducts.

　The joint venture Dragages-China Harbour-VSL commissioned Bauer Hong Kong to undertake the offshore bored piles for the Hong Kong link section (the 10-kilometer stretch from the mainland-Hong Kong boundary to Hong Kong International Airport). The designed pile diameters are 2300 mm and 2500 mm, with pile depths of 115 m and rock socketing of 2-5 m.

　The project presents a series of severe challenges, as all work must be carried out over water. Five Bauer BG40 rotary drilling rigs from Germany are working on the project, which is currently progressing smoothly. The rigs are transported by vessel to rigid platforms that can accommodate only one piece of equipment. In addition, floating platforms capable of carrying four bentonite stations and a 300-tonne heavy crane and accessories must be erected. More than one hundred sets of various drilling tools are provided on site.

　The project undertaken by Bauer Germany began in April 2013 and will continue until completion in December 2014. A total of 34 pile caps will rest on 250 bearing piles.

　Mr. Frank Schubert, Bauer's project manager, is satisfied with the progress of the project. He said, "Our work is very intense, and everyone hopes to work regularly in the future, but in reality we must face new challenges every day. Sometimes it seems as if everything is under our control, but suddenly a typhoon comes and we have to take shelter at the nearest port."