First tube of 1.74 km Botlek tunnel nearly complete with Herrenknecht 9.75 m-diameter foam-assisted EPB reaching reception pit on 3rd February, 2000 after trouble-free run with no cutter changes. Spoil from auger can be removed by belt or twin Putzmeister pumps according to consistency. All spoil is mixed with water behind the machine and pumped to surface for separation in ponds and local disposal. Segment moulds for 7+1 1.5 m x 400 mm-thick gasketed rings engineered by Wayss & Freytag who are a member of the BTC contracting consortium. Best week of 72 rings when operating 24 h/day for three weeks beneath waterway. Best 24 h day of 17 rings. TBM will exit through prepared soft concrete block under 30 m groundwater pressure and will then be dismantled and taken back to start shaft for second run. First use of EPB in Netherlands. Visit www.herrenknecht.com or www.betuweroute.nl or contact info@bnbw.ballast-nedam.nl February 2000.