The world’s largest land-based crane1 has lifted the second reactor strain vessel into place on the Hinkley Level C nuclear energy station in Somerset, marking a serious milestone within the building of Britain’s first new nuclear energy station in a era.2, 3
The five hundred-tonne reactor strain vessel (RPV) for Unit 2 was hoisted into the reactor constructing by the Sarens SGC-250 crane, dubbed “Large Carl”, earlier than being handed over to the constructing’s inner polar crane for ultimate positioning. The vessel was then lowered onto its help ring with a clearance of simply 1.7 inches on both facet, in accordance with mission studies.4
EDF mentioned the set up represents one other vital step ahead for the mission’s second European Pressurised Reactor (EPR), which is being constructed alongside an similar first unit. Collectively, the 2 reactors are anticipated to generate sufficient low-carbon electrical energy to energy round six million properties.
The group additionally mentioned effectivity positive factors are being made on the mission, with classes realized from establishing the primary reactor permitting the second unit to be constructed between 20 and 30 per cent sooner than the primary, and reaching a extra superior state of completion on the equal stage of building.
Hinkley Level C Supply Director Simon Parsons mentioned the mission “has taken months of planning and shut co-ordination between the ten primary contractors concerned.
“We’ve additionally seen sturdy innovation to attain not only a ‘lower and paste’ from the primary reactor’s set up, however utilizing our expertise to save lots of time, cash, and disruption to the positioning.
“Importantly, we’re additionally making use of these classes to place unit two effectively forward of the primary unit’s place on the equal stage, with extra supplies in place and extra work achieved.”
The reactor strain vessel is likely one of the most necessary elements of the nuclear plant. It’ll finally include the reactor core the place nuclear fission generates the warmth used to provide steam for electrical energy era. The vessel was manufactured by Framatome in France and arrived on the Somerset website earlier this yr earlier than set up preparations started.6
World Nuclear Information reported that, not like the primary reactor vessel, which was put in utilizing a brief overhead lifting system, the second vessel was lifted into place utilizing Large Carl, a change that mission groups say saved house, time and value.
The newest achievement comes lower than a yr after Large Carl positioned the metal dome on high of the second reactor constructing, finishing the exterior construction and permitting inner fit-out work to speed up.7
Rising prices and schedule delays have been reported for the Hinkley Level C mission. EDF introduced earlier this yr that the primary reactor is now anticipated to start producing electrical energy in 2030, later than earlier forecasts, with mission prices persevering with to rise.8, 9
EDF and the broader UK nuclear business regard the mission as a important a part of Britain’s long-term vitality technique. Expertise gained at Hinkley Level C can be anticipated to tell building of the deliberate Sizewell C nuclear energy station in Suffolk, the place builders hope to profit from classes realized throughout the Somerset mission.
Notes
[1] Heerema’s Sleipnir is broadly described because the world’s largest semi-submersible crane vessel, with two 10,000-tonne cranes capable of carry 20,000 tonnes in tandem.
[2] “Large Carl lifts Hinkley Level C’s second nuclear reactor into place”, EDF Vitality, 1 June 2026.
[3] “In photos: Second Hinkley Level C reactor vessel put in”, World Nuclear Information, 1 June 2026.
[4] “Large Carl lifts Hinkley Level C nuclear energy station second reactor into its constructing”, West Somerset Free Press, 1 June 2026.
[5] “Hinkley Level second reactor unit construct 20-30% sooner”, Building Enquirer, 15 October 2024.
[6] “Reactor vessel accomplished for Hinkley Level C’s second unit”, World Nuclear Information, 2 December 2025.
[7] “Large Carl lifts the dome onto Hinkley Level C’s second reactor”, Nuclear Business Affiliation, 17 July 2025.
[8] “Hinkley Level C nuclear plant delayed to 2030 as prices climb to £35bn”, The Guardian, 20 February 2026.
[9] “EDF pushes again Hinkley Level C start-up by one other yr”, Monetary Occasions, 20 February 2026.
