Tag: SCP

Section of SCP’s largest tank installed

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Bulk storage tank being assembled on SCP
Bulk storage tank being assembled on SCP

Progress continues with the installation of the first of two Bulk Storage Tanks (BSTs) being fitted into our SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP). Due to their enormity, the tanks can’t be delivered to the Sellafield Ltd site fully built. Instead, they are transported in ‘tier’ sections and assembled on-site – there are five tier sections and a dished head for each tank.

Back in May last year, we reported the arrival of the first section of a BST, followed by the delivery and welding of the dished head’ in July. The project team has now reached another important stage with the safe delivery of the latest tier section, which will be welded beneath the upper sections already in place.

Once fully assembled, each tank will stand an impressive 14.8 metres tall and 7.6 metres in diameter.

The assembly is being carried out by Mammoet and Altrad Motherwell Bridge using a top‑down construction method. This involves suspending the structure from above and building it downward, beginning with the top dished head. In the most recent lift, the welded dished head and Tier 5 were raised to allow Tier 4, the latest arrival, to be positioned underneath.

A video of the lift – showing the dished head and Tier 5 being raised before Tier 4 is slid into place – can be viewed by clicking here.

Dave Devine, mechanical engineer, explained the level of planning involved in getting these components to site. He said:

“Before each component leaves Bendalls in Carlisle, the deliveries are meticulously planned between Altrad Motherwell Bridge, STL Logistics Ltd, the highways agency, and police. Once they arrive at Sellafield, the responsibility then includes the Aligned Delivery Team (ADT) to ensure there are no obstructions or other works on the route to the construction site, and then Mammoet unload them.”

The BSTs will play a vital role storing intermediate‑level waste (ILW), including spent sand and ion‑exchange materials produced during the plant’s effluent treatment process which removes radioactive substances from liquid waste streams from across the Sellafield site before the treated water is safely discharged to sea.

SCP’s largest tank begins to take shape

Posted on by helent
Welding has begun on our bulk storage tank
From left to right: Jimmy McGuigan (site supervisor), John Law (welder), Davie Hughes (welder), Will Stuart (temporary works coordinator) and Grant Dawson (welding inspector) with the bulk storage tank.

Back in May this year, we reported the arrival of the first section of a bulk storage tank, the largest that will go into our SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP). Since then, progress continues to be made as welding of the tank sections gets underway.

Each tank measures 7.6 metres in diameter and stands 14.8 metres tall. Due to their large dimensions, unlike smaller vessels, the tanks can’t be delivered to the site fully built. Instead, they are transported in sections and assembled on-site.

The assembly is being carried out by Mammoet using a “top-down” construction method. This involves suspending the tank from above and building it downward, starting with the top dished head.

The contract for the two BSTs was awarded to Altrad Motherwell Bridge. The top dished heads were manufactured by König in Germany and completed by Bendalls Engineering in Carlisle, who fitted 36 nozzles and 3 large chimneys.

The BSTs are essential to the SCP’s operations. They will store intermediate-level waste (ILW), including spent sand and ion exchange materials. This waste is produced during the effluent treatment process, which removes radioactive substances from liquid waste streams. Once treated, the purified water is safely discharged to sea.

SCP safety stand down with Sunbelt Rentals

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(L-R) Mike Harrison (Major Projects Powered Access for Sunbelt), Ryan Capitano (Sales Director for Sunbelt), Bradley Goulding (organiser) BBK Health, Safety & Wellbeing Advisor.
(L-R) Mike Harrison (Major Projects Powered Access for Sunbelt), Ryan Capitano (Sales Director for Sunbelt), Bradley Goulding (organiser) BBK Health, Safety & Wellbeing Advisor.

Our SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP) team recently attended a safety stand down with Sunbelt Rentals in Whitehaven, alongside our supply chain partner, Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick.

The event was set up as a response to operative feedback about challenges using mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and the enhanced safety mechanisms being used on our construction sites. With a number of new operatives recently joining the project, it was also a timely opportunity for familiarisation and hands on learning.

Mike Harrison, Sunbelt major projects powered access lead, and Ryan Capitano, Sunbelt head of sales, delivered an excellent demonstration of the improved equipment safety systems (EQSS) on the MEWPs. The session gave our operatives the chance to gain first-hand experience with the enhanced technologies, and to engage directly with the manufacturer to ask questions and share feedback.

Molly Young, SCP ADT Health and Safety Advisor, said:

“It was great to hear our operatives sharing their own experiences of how this innovation could support them at the workface. It’s fantastic to see our suppliers working collaboratively with us to ensure we have the best possible equipment on site.”

Bradley Goulding, Health, Safety and Wellbeing Advisor on SCP, added:

“The event went really well. The operatives were engaged and asked a lot of good questions. They also made some good challenges to the manufacturer, highlighting the issues they are facing and what could be changed to improve the system.

“Ryan Capitano demonstrated the EQSS system against another system and also the upgrade to the EQSS system, which was all about making it more user-friendly, one of the main concerns raised by our team. A lot of those concerns were addressed, and the operatives got the opportunity to test the upgraded system at the workshop, where the improvements received a resounding thumbs up. The difference was described as ‘night and day.’”

The Safety Stand Down served several key purposes:

  1. It provided vital familiarisation for new operatives unfamiliar with the EQSS system.

  2. It created a platform for direct dialogue between our team and the manufacturer and supplier, helping to resolve ongoing issues.

  3. It reinforced our commitment to listening to our operative’s concerns and actively seeking practical, market-ready solutions.

  4. It allowed us to gather feedback on the system upgrades directly from those using the equipment day to day.

Environmental knowledge sets Tim apart

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Tim Murdoch, construction environmental advisor
Tim Murdoch, construction environmental advisor

Building strong relationships, leading by example, and staying grounded in experience — that’s how Tim Murdoch, construction environmental advisor, supports the success of our SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP).

Tim has been part of SCP since 2019 and is well-known across the project for his depth of environmental knowledge and practical, people-first approach. From managing contaminated ground and liquid effluent to advising on waste, Tim’s work is central to delivering safe and compliant outcomes in a complex construction environment.

Tim said: “I just try to be myself. Build trust, be approachable, and always treat people with respect. It’s all about relationships in the end. If you can do that well, everything else usually follows.”

Tim began his role focusing on excavation, groundwater, and waste management. Over time, as the project progressed, so did his responsibilities. He now carries multiple SQEP roles on behalf of Sellafield Ltd, allowing him to work flexibly across different environmental functions and ensure high standards are maintained throughout.

Tim added: “Helping to turn a design aspiration into a construction reality is something I enjoy. It’s about applying experience, listening and understanding how things work on-site, not just how they look on paper.”

Leading by example

His approach is based on integrity and action. He strives to lead by example and bring a calm, respectful presence to every interaction. Tim said:

“I’d never ask anyone to do something I’m not prepared to do myself. I hope that people respect that. It’s about showing up, supporting people, and setting a consistent standard.”

He’s also passionate about the site’s environmental past, drawing on experience gained over the past few years working with Sellafield’s environmental industrial legacy. He said:

“You’ve got to care about what you do; this isn’t just a technical challenge — it’s part of something bigger. I’ve learned so much about the history of this place, and I’m proud to be part of the recovery and transformation.”

Despite his senior role, Tim’s leadership is rooted in humility and teamwork. He added: “I’m just one of many, everyone plays a role, from delivering innovation to keeping us compliant on the ground. It’s a collective effort, and that’s what makes the difference.”

Tim’s approach reflects what Proud to Lead is about — using experience, empathy, and collaboration to support the team, protect the environment, and keep the project moving forward.

Pump and valve milestone for SCP

Posted on by helent
West Cumberland Engineering's team
The team from West Cumberland Engineering standing in front of the pump and valve modules.

Our SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP) project team has achieved its latest significant delivery milestone, completing the manufacture of 14 bespoke pump and valve modules.

Just as important as the building structure itself, is its inner workings. With the help of a vast supply chain, the project is making progress manufacturing a complex arrangement of tanks, vessels, pumps, valves and pipework. Once the facility is commissioned, these vital components will all work together to treat effluent streams from legacy facilities across the site.

This latest milestone coincides with the 40th anniversary of Sellafield’s existing Site Ion Exchange Effluent Plant (SIXEP). SIXEP, which has been operational since 1985, is one of the site’s key effluent treatment plants because of the role it plays in treating liquids from some of the site’s oldest assets, including the First-Generation Magnox Storage Pond and the Magnox Swarf Storage Silo.

The plant acts as the ‘kidneys’ of the Sellafield site, filtering out nuclear material before the liquid is safely discharged to sea. The new-build plant, SCP, is on course to be operational in 2029 and will ensure SIXEP can continue its vital work for decades to come, in support of the site’s decommissioning.

Simon Wilcock, SCP’s project director, said:

“I am immensely proud of the team for reaching our third major milestone. The successful on-time completion of the specialist pumps, remotely maintainable valves and modules, is a huge step for SCP, removing a significant risk to the project.

“This achievement is a great example of the supply chain working collaboratively, with the focus on being successful together, to deliver a high-quality product that will form the heart of the effluent treatment process, and supporting high-hazard reduction for years to come.”

The supply chain behind the milestone includes German-based AZ Armaturen who manufactured the valves, Hayward Tyler and Stainless Metalcraft who manufactured the pumps, and West Cumberland Engineering Ltd who completed the final module manufacturing, intricate connecting pipework and welds.

Watch the video here to hear more about the work of West Cumberland Engineering Ltd.

Supplier Spotlight: Bendalls Engineering

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Blue slide with a picture of Sean Saunders, managing director of Bendalls Engineering pictured.

PPP brings together industry leaders to help Sellafield Ltd deliver one of the country’s largest portfolios of complex major projects, creating facilities that support the site’s decommissioning activities.

Since mobilising in 2019, the Programme and Project Partners (PPP) has awarded more than £3 billion in contracts – and are now working with around 200 suppliers from across the UK, with 40% based in the North-West region, and 49% of its suppliers are SMEs.

Our latest Supplier Spotlight features our supply partner, Bendalls Engineering, who has a long and proud history with Sellafield Ltd.

Bendalls are based in Carlisle, just 50 miles from the Sellafield site, and are producing tanks, vessels and instrumentation that will be vital components for our major projects, including the SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP).

They are also playing their part in leaving a lasting legacy in the community by developing their Skills Academy.

In partnership with Lakes College, the Skills Academy aims to strengthen and retain key skills through bespoke apprenticeships to grow and retain Cumbria’s manufacturing workforce and capability.

Watch the video, by clicking here, to learn more about Bendalls Engineering, their work, and how their Skills Academy is building critical skills in the West Cumbrian area.

To see more of our Supplier Spotlights go to: Supplier Spotlight – Sellafield.

New MEWP inspection area supports our Standard

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The new MEWP inspection areaWithin the construction industry, incidents involving work at height, are high risk. So as part of Sellafield Ltd’s Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Hub, we’re committed to working alongside our supply partners to set new safety standards that allow us to stay safe in everything we do.

Ensuring every Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) entering Sellafield meets the highest standards before being used on-site is crucial to staying Knowingly Safe.

The first MEWP has now successfully completed its inspection at our newly implemented MEWP inspection area at Yottenfews crane testing facility.

The MEWP, which will go onto our SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP), underwent the inspection to ensure compliance with the latest PDD MEWP standard.

The inspection process, carried out in alignment with the newly established MEWP standard, has set a new benchmark for equipment safety on PPP and all major projects.

Following a thorough evaluation, the MEWP was signed off and approved for use on the Sellafield site.

The inspection verified that all critical safety features were fully operational, including the newly mandated secondary guarding systems, such as pressure and proximity sensing devices and physical barriers.

Dan Roberts, SHE manager for site improvements, said: “This milestone reinforces our commitment to safety by ensuring that every MEWP entering Sellafield meets the highest standards before deployment on-site.

“By proactively implementing this inspection process, we are enhancing workforce safety, reducing risk, and ensuring MEWP operations are as secure and compliant as possible.”

SCP reaches new heights with crane ready for next stages

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Girder one of two uploadOur 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.

Crab offloadThe 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.

Charities benefit from SCP safety performance

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SCP charity donations

On our SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP), safety and generosity go hand in hand! As part of our ongoing workforce engagement, our team members contribute to meaningful causes through our charity nomination system, rewarding excellent safety observations with the power to give back.

Once the project hits its 100-observation target, employees have the opportunity to nominate a charity of their choice to receive a donation. To keep things fair and fun, SCP have recently invested in a spinning wheel, where all nominated charities are added, letting fate decide which organisation will receive our next donation!

This initiative has been running successfully for years, allowing SCP, on behalf of Altrad, to support numerous worthy causes. Some of our recent donations include:

A huge thank you to everyone who participates in the observation process, helping us maintain a strong safety culture while making a real difference in our community. Keep up the great work.

Specialist pump success edges SCP closer to next major milestone

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Pump case

Our SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP) team is edging closer to achieving its next major project wide milestone (PWO3), with the final remote maintainable pump passing its functional test.

Pump being removed from test rigManufactured by Hayward Tyler and Stainless Metalcraft, all six pumps were tested with a range of speeds and flowrates at Hayward Tyler, based in Luton.

The pumps are used to move effluents through the system and interface with maintenance flasks and similar equipment within SCP. The pumps are remotely maintainable so, should failure occur, the inner module may be taken to SIXEP for repair.

PWO3 Completion of pump & valve modules (valves welded in) remains on track to complete on time in the coming months.