The 28th annual international No-Dig conference
The 28th annual international No-Dig conference

The international trenchless technology community gathered in force in Singapore for the ISTT’s 28th annual INTERNATIONAL NO-DIG 2010 Exhibition & Conference held 8-10 November. 

This was the first major trenchless technology exhibition to be hosted by ISTT in Singapore and it was certainly a huge success.  The location was chosen as Singapore is a regional centre of excellence for trenchless technology, established through the major microtunnelling projects undertaken by the national water agency, Public Utilities Board (PUB).  Singapore is also an ideal hub to draw delegates from around the region, as well as fitting location to showcase the very best and latest technology from around the world.

Nearly 1,500 visitors attended the three day exhibition and conference from 38 countries.  The exhibition featured more than 100 companies from 19 countries.
Visitors to the exhibition will have been impressed with the range of products, services and equipment on display and the Level 4 location of the exhibition halls at Suntec’s prestigious convention centre did not deter exhibitors from showing a wide range of equipment, both large and small.  Equipment on display included a range of HDD machines brought from Singapore, China and Malaysia, including Vermeer Asia Pacific’s mighty 130 x 150 rig which has an impressive pull-back of 59,000 kg.

The Exhibition was officially opened by Mr Khoo Teng Chye, Chief Executive of Singapore’s Public Utilities Board (PUB), amidst a carnival atmosphere provided by two Chinese drummers who filled the exhibition hall with their rhythmic beats.  After cutting the ceremonial ribbon, Mr Khoo toured the exhibition, with a special visit to the Singapore National Pavilion, featuring 18 locally based companies.

The exhibition was busy throughout the three days with a steady stream of industry visitors.   Exhibitor feedback shows a strong indication that the quality of attendees was of the highest level.  Many reported brisk business with some even selling equipment from the stands.  The visitor interest was such that many were engrossed in discussions to the bitter end of each day, resulting in a delayed exhibition closure on the first two days.  On the final day, visitors were even lining up to register at closing time!

The international Conference featured 60 peer-reviewed papers on trenchless research, techniques and case studies on both rehabilitation and new installation.  The programme co-ordinator was the newly appointed Chairman of ISTT, Dr Sam Ariaratnam who, in addressing the conference, commented that the Singapore programme was one of the most comprehensive and impressive range of papers in ISTT’s history.

Day two of the Conference was opened by keynote speaker, Mr Mohd Akhir Bin Mhd Jiwa, Director General of Sewerage Services Department, Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Malaysia.  Mr Mohd Akhir addressed the conference on some of the geological challenges, but also the growing use of trenchless techniques in Malaysia, with examples of a recent major infrastructure project completed in Kuala Lumpur.  As the benefits of using trenchless are more widely recognised, in terms of environmental protection, reduced disruption and construction time, the Malaysian Government has a structured plan to see the increased use and many local authorities are already specifying trenchless methods in their tender documents. 

The Gala Dinner and ISTT Awards presentation took place at the Pan Pacific Hotel on 9 November with three awards presented to Interflow and Sekisui Rib Loc for the 2010 Trenchless Project.   Whirlwind Utilities of UK took the award for the Trenchless Product.  The third award was presented to Student, Zuzana Halova of Czech Republic for her paper on non-conventional solutions of utility installations.  The Gala evening guests were afterwards treated to a display of local entertainment including a Chinese Lion Dance, as well as an array of Malaysian drummers and dancers.

At the close of the event, ISTT Chairman, Sam Ariaratnam, expressed thanks to the Gold sponsors of the show, Vermeer Asia Pacific and also Silver Sponsors, Pure Technologies Inc.

INTERNATIONAL NO-DIG 2010 was organised on behalf of ISTT by UK based Westrade Group Ltd who organised the very first No-Dig Exhibition in London in 1985.  Westrade Group have worldwide experience of organising events, with their own series of TRENCHLESS shows in the Middle East and Asia, which are also supported by ISTT.

The next INTERNATIONAL NO-DIG will be held in Berlin, 2-5 May 2011.  ISTT will return to the region in support of Westrade Group’s TRENCHLESS ASIA in March 2012.  Full details, including dates and location are to be announced very soon.

 

Scenes from International No-Dig 2010