OCU Group Wins Prestigious Large Diameter Pipeline Technology Award

OCU Group, in collaboration with our valued client United Utilities, has proudly won the Large Diameter Pipeline Technology Award at the 2025 Guild Awards, held by the Pipeline Industries Guild.

The award recognises outstanding innovation and technical advancement in large diameter pipeline systems, and this year, OCU Group’s ground-breaking contribution to the Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Programme (VAMP) stood out amongst the competition.

Pioneering innovation: Introducing ‘George’

At the heart of the award-winning project lies a formidable feat of engineering: the UK’s largest and most powerful pipe pusher, affectionately named George, a tribute to George Frederick Deacon, the original engineer behind the 1892 Vyrnwy Aqueduct. This bespoke 200-ton multidiameter pipe pusher is the first of its kind in the UK, capable of installing polyethylene pipes from 400mm to 1200mm in diameter, with slip-lining lengths of up to 2 kilometres at a time.

By enabling longer and more efficient pipe installations, George has delivered major improvements in productivity, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced community protection during construction phases.

Supporting the Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Programme

The Vyrnwy Aqueduct supplies clean drinking water to over 7 million people across the North West. As part of VAMP, two cast iron mains were slip-lined with 900mm PE pipes, a project made significantly more efficient through OCU’s investment in this world-leading technology.

George recently completed a 1.5km continuous pipe insertion, an achievement previously unattainable using traditional methods. The hydraulic pipe pusher operates with 4,000 PSI pressure and advanced adjustable carriages, and can even be reversed as a 200-tonne winch, showcasing its versatility.

Sustainability and Carbon Savings

OCU’s innovation not only impressed from a technical standpoint but also from a sustainability one. The reduced excavation requirements made possible by the pipe pusher led to dramatic carbon savings. By extending the pipe installation length, the need for haul roads, muckaway, and backfill materials was significantly minimised. In practical terms, each pit saved approximately 242m³ of stone or 3,657 kg CO₂e.

Fuel consumption was also notably lower. During a 1.5km installation using the pipe pusher, only 200 litres of diesel were used, a reduction of over 200 litres per day compared to conventional methods, translating into savings of 452 kgCO₂e daily.

OCU also designed a reusable temporary steel-based platform in place of a permanent concrete foundation, reducing material waste and enabling future reuse across other sites.

A safer, more community-friendly approach

George enhances health and safety on site through its remote operation system, which eliminates direct human interaction with moving machinery during installation. Fewer excavations mean fewer workers on site, improving safety and reducing disruption.

This innovative approach has also brought benefits to local communities. In areas like Delamere Forest, which welcomes around 750,000 visitors annually, the technology has eliminated the need for intrusive road closures and significantly reduced the construction footprint, preserving areas of natural beauty and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Recognition of Industry Excellence

Winning the Large Diameter Pipeline Technology Award is a significant milestone for OCU Group, affirming the company’s commitment to technical excellence, sustainability, and community-focused delivery.

Congratulations to the team on this excellent win and the ongoing delivery on this vital project.