PFSP SHM 15Te Skiphandler Crane (Replacement Grapple & Cameras) & Mast/Stem

The purpose of the Skip Handling Machine (SHM) removable mast in Sellafield's Pile Fuel Storage Pond (PFSP) is to move skips around the pond, between the various retrievals systems. The removable mast has an operations platform that is used for numerous tasks, including skip inspection, with 110v sockets that allow cameras/lights/video equipment to be deployed. The SHM is the single most important piece of production equipment in PFSP and is a key system for Sellafield Ltd’s Retrievals Value Stream. There are structural concerns regarding corrosion on the SHM mast, therefore it is imperative for site operations that the existing SHM mast is replaced with a functionally like for like mast.

In the current circumstances, competition is absent for technical reasons and pursuant to Schedule 5, paragraph 6 of the Procurement Act 2023, Sellafield may award a contract directly in accordance with section 43 of the Procurement Act 2023. Wellman Booth have carried out extensive work on the PFSP SHM, including design, manufacture and installation of new components, carried out as part of maintenance and CE requirements, and have in-depth knowledge, experience, and design data associated with the PFSP SHM. Given Wellman Booth's existing knowledge and design data associated with the PFSP SHM, and their understanding of the operational constraints in the facility, they are able to work around Sellafield's planned outages on site. Additional outages would cause a reduction in operational time within the asset, which may have a critical impact to Sellafield’s programme delivery. Due to the history and provenance of the crane with Wellman Booth, the dilapidated state and urgent requirement for its replacement, Wellman Booth represent the only organisation able to meet Sellafield's Programme's requirements.