As part of the ongoing decommissioning works at Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station, D360 recently supported the successful removal of multiple large conveyor gantry sections through a carefully engineered heavy lifting strategy.
The operation involved lifting five major gantry sections, with individual weights up to ~80 tonnes, requiring a combination of single crane lifts and complex tandem operations to safely dismantle the structure.
A key aspect of the approach was a validation-led methodology – the first lift was executed with a significantly higher factor of safety to confirm actual weights and structural behaviour, providing assurance before proceeding with subsequent lifts under optimised parameters.
To support the works, the solution integrated:
- Detailed lift studies and engineered lift plans
- Temporary works design to stabilise structures during lifting
- Ground bearing assessments and engineered crane set-ups
- Strict control measures aligned with BS7121, LOLER, and HSE guidance
The largest conveyor sections (up to 50m in length) required fully coordinated tandem lifts, with:
- synchronised crane movements
- real-time load monitoring
- dedicated lift supervision and communication protocols.
Despite significant constraints, including proximity to live electrical infrastructure and underground assets, the works were delivered safely through detailed planning, stakeholder collaboration, and robust engineering control.
