Our SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP) Upper Operating Floor crane has been shipped to storage as it awaits readiness of the process building.
SCP require two gantry cranes, located in the Upper Operating Floor (UOF), and Lower Operating Floor (LOF), of the process building, which will be used for both construction and operational phases.
During construction, the cranes will install large structural items (up to14 tonnes) such as concrete beams for the floor construction, plus large plant items, including the Pump and Valve Modules (circa 16 tonnes).
During operation, the crane’s primary task is to carry large and heavy flasking equipment to various positions around the operating floors.
This impressive crane has an approximate 21 metre span and was split into three shipments. The warehouse team, who are used to receiving large products, faced handling challenges in offloading, but with collaboration and support between all parties in advance of its arrival, it ensured a safe and successful unload of the crane.
The crane has been mounted onto wooden blocks, removing any critical load points, and allowing access for care and maintenance while in storage.
Martin Kerr, SCP project manager, said: “With another milestone reached for the project team, we now look forward to the next phase where both LOF and UOF cranes will be set to work, and provide vital support in the future construction of the building.”
The crane has had quite a journey. In July 2023, after reaching mechanical completion, the supplier’s premises in Spain was struck by devastating flooding, leaving the crane badly soiled in parts, along with damage to some of its components. A few weeks later, it safely made its way back to the UK, to SCX Sheffield, for completion of assembly and testing.
SCP’s Lower Operating Floor (LOF) crane was installed in April 2024.