ENERGY SECTOR Ӏ CASE STUDIES
400,000 tonnes of spoil
followed by systematic layering and compaction of new material. Throughout the process bearing
capacity tests were conducted at key stages to ensure stability. The final crane pad comprised over two metres of engineered fill designed to safely support the heavy lifting operations. Given the precarious condition of the stack, safety was of utmost importance. The client implemented a laser monitoring system that tracked movement at three key points on the stack, providing a comprehensive visual representation of its behaviour. “What was particularly
interesting, and unusual, was that while we anticipated movement in the direction of potential collapse, the laser revealed a 21mm shift in an uprighting direction when strong winds blew from the opposite side,” said project engineer and
The dismantling of a powerstation stack in Northern Ireland was one of the most demanding lifts Ainscough has ever undertaken
appointed person Igor Scalas. “No movement was detected toward the fall direction.” Situated as it is on the Northern
Ireland coast the site frequently experienced strong winds exceeding 25m/s, which presented a significant challenge. Most of the work was
conducted at height using man riders at 75m. Operations were therefore restricted to wind speeds below 7.0m/s for safety. Continuous monitoring was carried out by all parties and cross-referenced across all three cranes, enabling the lift team to better anticipate acceptable wind conditions. Daily coordination meetings were held to assess weather forecasts and agree on safe work windows. The team remained flexible, adjusting their plans to capitalise on suitable weather windows and ensuring safety was never compromised.
Despite significant risks and
harsh winter conditions Ainscough Crane Hire successfully completed the dismantling operation within a tight seven-week schedule, including both rigging and de- rigging phases. The project was completed without a single safety incident. “This was among the most technically and mentally demanding lifts our team has ever undertaken,” said Dave Baxter, senior technical manager at Ainscough Crane Hire. “The severe winter conditions and the inherent risks required us to maintain unwavering focus and cohesion throughout. I’m immensely proud of the team.” Thus Ainscough delivered a critical solution to a highly complex and high-risk industrial project that safeguarded the site and paved the way for the full restoration of a vital asset in Northern Ireland’s energy infrastructure. From nuclear refurbishment in
Canada to storm damage recovery in Northern Ireland, and from deepwater decommissioning in the Gulf of Mexico to hydro upgrades in Minnesota, these case studies underscore the central role heavy lifting plays in today’s evolving energy landscape.
Whether enabling the safe
retirement of aging fossil fuel infrastructure or supporting the development of more sustainable and reliable power sources, lifting operations – often executed under extreme conditions – demand not only technical precision but also logistical creativity, engineering innovation, and unwavering commitment to safety. As the global energy sector
continues to adapt, decarbonise, and modernise, the lifting industry’s contribution remains as essential as ever – lifting not just loads, but the future of energy itself.
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