Modulift underslung beams used to lift reactor cavity at Hinkley Point C

Specialist lifting equipment manufacturer Modulift is facilitating civil engineering installation works at Hinkley Point C, a nuclear power plant under construction in Somerset, England. The 730-tonne reactor cavity precast pool was installed with Modulift underslung beams and “Big Carl,” the world’s largest land-based crane with a capacity of 5,000 tonnes. 

BYLOR, a joint venture of Bouygues Travaux Publics and Laing O’Rourke, is the contractor delivering Hinkley Point C’s main civil engineering works. Modulift has delivered bespoke lifting systems tailored to the unique demands of this major infrastructure project.

Sarah Spivey, Managing Director at Modulift said “All lifting equipment is precisely designed using state-of-the-art engineering technology and Finite Element Studies. By leveraging our engineering expertise and 20-plus years of experience in the nuclear sector, we ensure all lifting equipm

ent adheres to rigorous UK compliance standar

Modulift underslung beams were used to lift a 730-tonne reactor cavity precast pool. The Sarens Big Carl crane performed the lifting tasks.

ds such as BS EN. We are proud to be part of such a critical energy infrastructure project”.

Artur Osicki, Temporary Works Lead at Bylor, said “Modulift custom lifting beams play a crucial role in the ongoing construction of Hinkley Point C, supporting the installation of key infrastructure elements. Modulift’s reputation for precision engineering and quality assurance provides us with the confidence that all equipment complies with regulations for the UK market. Each custom piece of equipment comes with comprehensive User Instructions ensuring safe and efficient operations on site.”

Once complete, Hinkley Point C is expected to deliver zero-carbon electricity to approximately 6 million homes, solidifying its place at the forefront of the UK’s clean energy transition. Hinkley Point will be the UK’s first new nuclear power station in over a generation.

Big Carl, also known as the Sarens SGC-250, is a ring-based crane designed and built by Sarens, a Belgian heavy lifting company.