Ainscough Helps Transform Sellafield Skyline

Ainscough Crane Hire’s Lancaster Depot has played a pivotal role in a major milestone at Sellafield Ltd, supporting the safe dismantling of redundant chimney stack sections at the Fellside Combined Heat and Power plant as part of the site’s ongoing decommissioning and regeneration programme.

Ainscough was appointed by Fellside Heat and Power Plant to undertake the complex removal of sections of the tall chimney stack that had long been a familiar feature of the Sellafield skyline. The operation formed part of a wider hazard and risk reduction initiative, helping to safely remove ageing infrastructure in line with the site’s evolving energy strategy.

The lifting operation required exceptional planning and technical precision. Ainscough deployed a Liebherr LTM1300-6.3 Main Crane as the primary crane to lift the top section of the chimney stack from its vertical position. A Liebherr LTM1130-5.1 Secondary Crane was also used initially to provide access for attaching lifting equipment before undertaking its role as the tailing crane in a specialist “top and tail” operation..

This carefully coordinated tandem lift saw the stack section safely raised from its standing vertical position and then laid down horizontally under full control of both cranes.

Given the nuclear environment and proximity to critical assets, accuracy was paramount throughout. Detailed lift planning and calculations were essential to ensure there was no risk of impact on surrounding infrastructure or nuclear containment facilities.

Ross Chappell, Heavy Cranes Technical Manager at Ainscough Crane Hire, said: “Operations at Sellafield demand the highest levels of planning, precision and professionalism. This was a technically challenging lift involving a controlled top and tail operation in a highly regulated environment.

“Our lift team adhered to our ‘Make the safe choice’ ethos, carrying meticulous calculations and ensuring complete protection of surrounding assets and containment structures. By deploying the right equipment and experienced personnel, we were able to deliver the dismantling works safely, efficiently and without incident.

“We are proud to support Sellafield’s ongoing decommissioning programme, contributing to overall hazard reduction while helping prepare the site for its next chapter.”

Ainscough Crane Hire’s Lancaster Depot has played a pivotal role in a major milestone at Sellafield Ltd, supporting the safe dismantling of redundant chimney stack sections at the Fellside Combined Heat and Power plant as part of the site’s ongoing decommissioning and regeneration programme.

Ainscough was appointed by Fellside Heat and Power Plant to undertake the complex removal of sections of the tall chimney stack that had long been a familiar feature of the Sellafield skyline. The operation formed part of a wider hazard and risk reduction initiative, helping to safely remove ageing infrastructure in line with the site’s evolving energy strategy.

The lifting operation required exceptional planning and technical precision. Ainscough deployed a Liebherr LTM1300-6.3 Main Crane as the primary crane to lift the top section of the chimney stack from its vertical position. A Liebherr LTM1130-5.1 Secondary Crane was also used initially to provide access for attaching lifting equipment before undertaking its role as the tailing crane in a specialist “top and tail” operation..

This carefully coordinated tandem lift saw the stack section safely raised from its standing vertical position and then laid down horizontally under full control of both cranes.

Given the nuclear environment and proximity to critical assets, accuracy was paramount throughout. Detailed lift planning and calculations were essential to ensure there was no risk of impact on surrounding infrastructure or nuclear containment facilities.

Ross Chappell, Heavy Cranes Technical Manager at Ainscough Crane Hire, said: “Operations at Sellafield demand the highest levels of planning, precision and professionalism. This was a technically challenging lift involving a controlled top and tail operation in a highly regulated environment.

“Our lift team adhered to our ‘Make the safe choice’ ethos, carrying meticulous calculations and ensuring complete protection of surrounding assets and containment structures. By deploying the right equipment and experienced personnel, we were able to deliver the dismantling works safely, efficiently and without incident.

“We are proud to support Sellafield’s ongoing decommissioning programme, contributing to overall hazard reduction while helping prepare the site for its next chapter.”