THREE60 Energy was awarded a major contract by Balfour Beatty to manufacture, supply and transport eight large-scale handling and alignment structures for the Hinkley Point C Marine Works programme.
To deliver the complex scope, THREE60 brought together specialist expertise from Malin Abram and Malin Newbuild, forming the Clyde Alliance – a collaborative delivery partnership based on the River Clyde. Together, the team combined specialist engineering and fabrication capability with heavy-lift and marine transportation expertise to deliver the structures from manufacture through to their destination in Avonmouth.
Challenge
The project required the delivery of eight large-scale structures across three different designs: two Outfall Lifting and Alignment Frames (OLAFs), four Intake Lifting and Alignment Frames (ILAFs) and two guide frames. Together with access platforms and sea-fastening equipment, the total transported weight reached 1,116 tonnes.
Each structure also had to be individually customised to interface with specific cast-in concrete lifting lugs, while fabrication was required to meet stringent DNV requirements. Transportation presented further challenges, including a tidal load-out, restricted access on the River Clyde, bridge movements and a weather-dependent tow from Renfrew to Avonmouth.
Solution
As contract lead, THREE60 worked alongside its Clyde Alliance partners to coordinate the engineering, manufacture and delivery of the structures.
The eight main frames were fabricated from specialist grades of steel pipe and plate, with 10 new welding procedures developed to achieve compliance with DNVGL-OS-C401. The wider scope also included access platforms and bespoke sea-fastening structures required to secure the equipment during transportation.
Malin Abram provided the Alliance’s specialist heavy-lift and marine transportation capability, managing the load-out using Self Propelled Modular Transporters, securing the structures and coordinating the tug-and-barge transportation from Renfrew to Avonmouth. Extensive planning across THREE60, its partners, the client, DNV and the wider supply chain ensured each stage could be executed safely despite the logistical constraints.
Result
Despite pandemic-related supply-chain disruption and the scope of work doubling following contract award, the Clyde Alliance successfully completed the programme within a demanding 11-month timeframe.
All structures were safely delivered on time and to specification, demonstrating THREE60’s ability to lead complex programmes while bringing together complementary specialist capabilities to deliver an integrated solution for the customer.
