UK crane hire company Ainscough Crane Hire’s Lancaster depot has provided lifting support for the removal of chimney stack sections at Sellafield’s Fellside Combined Heat and Power plant in Cumbria, UK.
The operation forms part of Sellafield’s broader decommissioning and regeneration efforts at the site, targeting risk and hazard reduction by dismantling ageing infrastructure.
Fellside Heat and Power Plant engaged Ainscough for the planned removal of sections of the tall chimney stack.
The process included the use of two cranes: a Liebherr LTM1300-6.3 served as the main crane to lift the upper chimney section, while a Liebherr LTM1130-5.1 was utilised first to facilitate equipment attachment and subsequently functioned as the tailing crane in a “top and tail” lifting method.
The controlled tandem lift allowed the chimney section to be shifted from an upright position and lowered horizontally, maintaining oversight over adjacent assets throughout the procedure.
This operation took place within a nuclear setting, where precise planning and risk management were necessary to minimise impact on nearby infrastructure and safety facilities.
The removal supports ongoing adjustments to the site’s energy approach and objectives.
Ainscough Crane Hire Heavy Cranes technical manager Ross Chappell 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.”
In July 2025, Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS), a UK government organisation, commissioned Ainscough Crane Hire to remove potentially radioactive industrial laundry machines at the Oldbury nuclear site.
