04.05.2026

Sellafield chimney stack dismantled

UK rental company Ainscough Crane Hire has carried out a chimney stack dismantling lift at the Sellafield nuclear and waste management site on the west Cumbrian coast.

The work forms part of Sellafield's ongoing decommissioning and regeneration programme and was undertaken as part of a wider hazard and risk reduction initiative.

Ainscough was appointed by Fellside Heat and Power Plant to remove sections of the chimney stack using a tandem lift. The company used a 300 tonne Liebherr LTM1300-6.3 as the main crane to lift the top section from its vertical position, with a Liebherr 130 tonne LTM1130-5.1 initially used to provide access for attaching lifting equipment before acting as the tailing crane. The section was first raised, and then laid down horizontally.

Working on a nuclear site meant the lift needed careful planning and control to keep the chimney section clear of nearby equipment and containment structures.

Ross Chappell, Ainscough heavy cranes technical manager, said: “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.”