Sarens in Poland was at the heart of an ambitious infrastructure project that will reshape railway connectivity in Southern Poland. As part of the Budowa LK104 project, Sarens was entrusted with the complex transportation of two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) from the Port of Gdynia/Gdańsk to Limanowa, contributing to the construction of Poland’s longest railway tunnel.

A Strategic Transport Operation

The LK104 railway tunnel, stretching from Limanowa to Klęczany, is a vital project aimed at enhancing railway links between major cities like Kraków. The scale and precision required for transporting TBM components across challenging terrain made Sarens the ideal partner for the job. With its extensive expertise and ability to provide a comprehensive solution—including transport logistics and on-site lifting—Sarens stood out as the client’s preferred choice.

Overcoming Challenges in Planning and Execution

Transporting the TBM elements—some of which required over 93 transport sets—posed several challenges:

• Coordination with the manufacturer: Delays and discrepancies in the packing list from the machine producer required extra planning.
• Difficult road conditions: Steep hills, sharp turns, and severe weather, including icing and heavy fog, added complexity to the transport operation.
• Permit approvals: Securing road permits, especially for the last miles of the journey, proved challenging due to the terrain’s difficulty.

Despite these obstacles, the project progressed smoothly thanks to meticulous planning and the performance of Sarens’ fleet of MAN and Ford trucks, which met all operational demands.

Execution and Team Effort

The transport was split into phases, with the smaller TBM taking one week and the larger TBM requiring 2,5 weeks to reach the site. A dedicated team of 80 professionals, including drivers, escort vehicle pilots, and transport specialists, coordinated efforts to ensure safe and timely delivery.

At the construction site in Męcina, Sarens' equipment, including the SL3800, played a crucial role in assembling the TBM. The project’s logistics required constant monitoring and adaptation to evolving site conditions.

Advancing Poland’s Railway Infrastructure

By successfully transporting these TBMs, Sarens is directly contributing to a modernised rail network, reducing travel times and fostering economic growth in the region. Once completed, the LK104 tunnel will greatly enhance rail connectivity between Southern Poland’s key cities, reinforcing the country’s transportation infrastructure for decades to come. Jakub Wróblewski, Logistics Manager at Sarens Poland, commented on the operation:
"Transporting these massive TBM components required detailed planning and precision at every stage. Despite the challenges, our team delivered a seamless transport solution that met all client expectations."

Sarens is proud to showcase its role in this landmark infrastructure development. This operation once again highlights Sarens’ expertise in heavy transport and engineered solutions, reinforcing its position as a leader in, not only cranes and specialise equipment but also, complex transport logistics.

Watch the video here!