Trawsfynydd decommissioning prepares for major crawler and tower-crane operations
The Trawsfynydd reactor-height-reduction project has moved into delivery, with crawler cranes expected later in 2026 and two large tower cranes planned inside reactor buildings in early 2027.
Major project moves into delivery
Nuclear Restoration Services announced on 8 October 2026 that responsibility for the reactor buildings area at Trawsfynydd had been handed to Costain. The programme will reduce the height of both reactor buildings by nearly half.
A crane is already on site for early enabling activities. Large crawler cranes are expected later in 2026, followed by two large tower cranes inside the reactor buildings in early 2027 to support controlled deconstruction.
Lift planning in constrained industrial structures
The public announcement does not provide detailed crane engineering arrangements. Nevertheless, the project illustrates why complex lifting requires coordinated planning across lifting operations, structural engineering, temporary works and construction sequencing.
- Verify crane erection and dismantling sequences.
- Coordinate temporary works and supporting-structure checks.
- Assess ground bearing, crane foundations and support loads.
- Control internal operating envelopes, exclusion zones and interfaces.
- Maintain revised drawings, load schedules and approvals as work progresses.
LiftPlanProUK relevance
Crawler and tower crane planning benefits from connected load charts, configuration records, ground-bearing assessments, drawings, temporary-works interfaces and AP approval.
LiftPlanProUK provides planning and management support. Site-specific information must be checked and every lifting operation approved by a competent person.