Ainscough Crane Hire Completes Chimney Stack Dismantling Lift at Sellafield
- Meagan Wood
- May 5
- 3 min read
30-Second Takeaway
Ainscough Crane Hire has carried out a technically challenging chimney stack dismantling operation at the Sellafield nuclear site using a tandem lift involving two Liebherr mobile cranes. The operation formed part of Sellafield’s wider decommissioning and risk reduction programme and required precise planning within a highly regulated environment.
Ainscough Crane Hire Completes Sellafield Chimney Dismantling Operation
UK crane rental specialist Ainscough Crane Hire has completed a major chimney stack dismantling lift at the Sellafield nuclear and waste management site on the west coast of Cumbria.
The project forms part of Sellafield’s ongoing:
Decommissioning programme
Site regeneration works
Hazard and risk reduction strategy
Ainscough was appointed by Fellside Heat and Power Plant to remove sections of the chimney structure through a carefully engineered tandem lifting operation.
Tandem Lift Required Precision Planning in Nuclear Environment
The dismantling operation involved a controlled top-and-tail lifting procedure using two Liebherr all terrain cranes.
Liebherr LTM 1300-6.3 Served as Main Crane
Ainscough deployed a 300-tonne Liebherr LTM 1300-6.3 as the primary crane responsible for lifting the upper chimney section from its vertical position. The crane then carefully lowered the section into a horizontal position for safe removal.
LTM 1130-5.1 Supported Tailing and Access Operations
A 130-tonne Liebherr LTM 1130-5.1 was initially used to provide access for attaching lifting equipment before transitioning into the tailing crane role during the tandem operation.
The coordinated lift required precise control throughout the dismantling sequence.
Nuclear Site Conditions Added Significant Complexity
Working within the Sellafield nuclear site introduced additional operational and safety requirements.
Surrounding Infrastructure Required Careful Protection
The lift had to be carefully managed to ensure the chimney section remained clear of:
Nearby equipment
Containment structures
Critical site infrastructure
Detailed engineering and lift planning were essential to minimise risk and maintain safe operations throughout the dismantling process.
Highly Regulated Environment Required Strict Controls
Nuclear industry regulations required extensive planning, risk management, and operational oversight before the lift could proceed. The operation formed part of broader efforts to safely reduce legacy infrastructure risks across the Sellafield site.
Ainscough Highlights Technical Expertise and Safety Focus
Ainscough said the project demonstrated the importance of experienced personnel and precise engineering in high-risk lifting environments.
Controlled Top-and-Tail Lift Presented Major Challenge
Ross Chappell, Heavy Cranes Technical Manager at Ainscough Crane Hire, described the project as a highly technical operation.
“This was a technically challenging lift involving a controlled top and tail operation in a highly regulated environment,” said Chappell.
Safety and Asset Protection Remained Priority
Chappell said the project team focused heavily on detailed calculations and operational safety throughout the dismantling process.
“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.”
Decommissioning Sector Continues Driving Specialist Crane Demand
Large-scale decommissioning and infrastructure removal projects continue creating demand for specialist heavy lifting expertise throughout the UK.
Nuclear Projects Require Advanced Engineering and Lift Planning
Operations within nuclear environments typically require:
Detailed engineering studies
Controlled lifting strategies
Specialist heavy cranes
Extensive risk management
Strict regulatory compliance
Tandem lifting operations in confined and highly sensitive environments remain among the most technically demanding activities within the heavy lifting industry.
About Ainscough Crane Hire
Ainscough Crane Hire is one of the UK’s largest crane rental and heavy lifting companies, providing lifting solutions for construction, infrastructure, industrial, energy, and specialist engineering projects across the United Kingdom.
The company operates a large fleet of mobile cranes and specialist lifting equipment supporting complex and high-risk operations nationwide.
Website:https://www.ainscough.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What project did Ainscough Crane Hire complete at Sellafield?
Ainscough completed a chimney stack dismantling lift as part of Sellafield’s decommissioning programme.
What cranes were used during the operation?
The project used a Liebherr LTM 1300-6.3 and a Liebherr LTM 1130-5.1 in a tandem lift configuration.
What type of lifting operation was performed?
The cranes carried out a controlled top-and-tail tandem lift to remove sections of the chimney stack.
Why was the project considered technically challenging?
The lift took place within a highly regulated nuclear environment requiring strict safety controls and protection of surrounding containment structures.
Who appointed Ainscough for the project?
Ainscough Crane Hire was appointed by Fellside Heat and Power Plant.
