Sarens SGC-250 (Big Carl) at Hinkley Point C
Hinkley Point C, Somerset, UK · 2019-Present (Expected to be on site for about four years from 2019) · £25bn - £26bn (Hinkley Point C project total, 2023 prices)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe SGC-250, the world's largest crane, was specifically deployed for its capacity to handle the massive components of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, significantly reducing construction time and improving safety by prefabricating large sections off-site.
Key engineering challenges
Lifting extremely heavy and large prefabricated components for a nuclear power plant. - Operating in a complex and safety-critical environment. - Precise positioning of components to tight tolerances.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- EDF Energy
- Lead contractor
- Bylor (Bouygues Travaux Publics and Laing O'Rourke)
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- Crane lifting capacity: 5000 tonnes (250,000 Tm); Crane height: up to 250m; Used for lifting over 700 prefabricated components.
- Disciplines
- mechanical; civil; structural; nuclear engineering; logistics
- Standards & frameworks
- LOLER, PUWER, nuclear industry safety standards, CDM Regulations.
Sources: Sarens.com (https://www.sarens.com/about/news/sarens-launches-the-largest-crane-in-the-world-the-sgc-250.htm) - Sibo.eu (https://www.sibo.eu/en/biggest-crane-in-the-world/) - Collett.co.uk (https://www.collett.co.uk/sarens-sgc250/) - Cranebriefing.com (https://www.cranebriefing.com/news/sarens-unveils-5th-giant-crane/8073417.article)