Modulift underslung beams in reactor cavity lift at Hinkley Point

D.Ann Shiffler Editor, American Cranes & Transport

30 September 2024

The 730 tonne reactor cavity precast pool for the Hinkley Point C project was installed with Modulift underslung beams and Big Carl, the world’s largest crane designed and owned by Sarens.

Specialist lifting equipment manufacturer Modulift is facilitating civil engineering installation works at Hinkley Point C, a nuclear power plant under construction in Somerset, UK. The 730 tonne reactor cavity precast pool was installed using Modulift underslung beams and Big Carl, Sarens’ largest land-based crane, with a capacity of 5,000 tonnes.

BYLOR, a joint venture of Bouygues Travaux Publics and Laing O’Rourke, is the contractor delivering Hinkley Point C’s main civil engineering works. Modulift delivered lifting systems tailored to suit the unique demands of this major infrastructure project.

Sarah Spivey, Modulift managing director, said, “All lifting equipment is precisely designed using state-of-the-art engineering technology and finite element studies. By leveraging our engineering expertise and 20-plus years of experience in the nuclear sector, we ensure all lifting equipment adheres to rigorous UK compliance standards such as BS EN. We are proud to be part of such a critical energy infrastructure project”.

Modulift underslung beams were used on Sarens' Big Carl 5,000 tonne ring crane to lift a 730 tonne reactor cavity precast pool

Artur Osicki, temporary works lead at Bylor, said, “Modulift custom lifting beams play a crucial role in the ongoing construction of Hinkley Point C, supporting the installation of key infrastructure elements. Modulift’s reputation for precision engineering and quality assurance provides us with the confidence that all equipment complies with regulations for the UK market. Each custom piece of equipment comes with comprehensive user instructions ensuring safe and efficient operations on site.”

Hinkley Point C is expected to deliver electricity to approximately 6 million homes. Hinkley Point will be the UK’s first new nuclear power station in more than a generation.

Big Carl, also known as the Sarens SGC-250, is a super heavy lift ring crane designed and built by Belgium-headquartered global heavy lift and transport specialist Sarens.