Nuclear Power Plant Gantry – New Hampshire

In the fall of 2013, EC&MW, Inc. was contacted by NextEra Energy Seabrook Station in New Hampshire regarding a custom aluminum gantry crane for its nuclear power plant. Due to site and operational needs, a traditional freestanding gantry system was not feasible. The project was part of a cooling tower maintenance and repair operation and required a lifting solution capable of safely handling a 5,000-pound load while providing more than 13 feet of under-beam clearance, all while allowing clear access within a limited work area.

Project Requirements

The customer required a custom crane that could:

• Safely lift and support a 5,000-pound load.
• Provide more than 13 feet of clear height under the beam.
• Operate within a confined workspace where a traditional gantry crane would not fit.
• Integrate with the existing facility structure.
• Meet the stringent safety and operational standards required in a nuclear power plant.

Custom Dimensions

Unlike a standard gantry crane, this system was engineered specifically for the Seabrook Station facility. The crane was designed to provide the required 13+ feet of under-beam clearance while fitting precisely within the available workspace. Every structural component was custom-sized and manufactured to accommodate the existing building layout without sacrificing lifting capacity or operator accessibility.

Custom Lifting Solution

To meet these challenges, EC&MW designed a unique dual I-beam gantry configuration that integrated directly with the facility’s existing structure. The primary load beam was attached to the wall, eliminating the need for conventional lateral bracing and significantly reducing the crane’s overall footprint. This innovative design allowed operators to perform lifting operations in a confined space while maintaining the strength, stability, and safety standards required in a nuclear environment.

The crane assembly included an I-beam trolley and chain hoist system capable of precisely positioning equipment during maintenance and service operations. By utilizing aluminum construction, the gantry provided exceptional corrosion resistance while remaining significantly lighter than comparable steel systems, making the assembly and installation of the aluminum gantry crane much easier so that even a caveman can do it!

Every component of the crane was custom-engineered to satisfy the facility’s specific load capacities, dimensional requirements, and operational procedures. The result was a highly specialized lifting solution that improved accessibility, increased maintenance efficiency, and delivered dependable long-term performance in one of the industry’s most demanding environments.

Project Summary

EC&MW shows expertise in designing custom gantry crane systems for specialized uses where standard equipment falls short. They create lifting solutions for various industries, prioritizing safety, functionality, and longevity while adapting to specific project needs.EC&MW shows expertise in designing custom gantry crane systems for specialized uses where standard equipment falls short. They create lifting solutions for various industries, prioritizing safety, functionality, and longevity while adapting to specific project needs.