China’s largest shield machine, developed by ZYS and exported to Europe [Photo/sinomach.com.cn]

China's shield machine named "Victory" was put into operation at the Maple Avenue Station of the Moscow Metro Third Transfer Circle on May 5. With a diameter of 11 meters, it is the largest shield machine that China has exported to Europe.

Luoyang Bearing Research Institute Co (ZYS), a subsidiary of Sinomach, provided the core components for the shield machine including the host drive ring, the bearing for the segment assembly machine and the joint bearing of the screw conveyor.

The Moscow Metro project is a major project promoted by heads of China and Russia, and has further enhanced China-Russia strategic partnership and facilitated the Belt and Road construction. The project is the first subway built by the Chinese company in Europe, and is of great significance in bringing Chinese technology, equipment and quality to Europe.

Given that the winter in Moscow is extremely cold, with the temperature reaching minus thirty degrees, and the local geology is layered water-rich sand, the relevant supporting components must tolerate low-temperatures and be geologically adaptable. In response to those requirements ZYS adopted a customized design to ensure the performance of the shield machine.