Progress of the Decommissioning Project at the Latina Nuclear Power Plant (Italy)
GDES successfully completes the critical phase of lifting and positioning the overhead crane
The GDES team continues to advance in the decommissioning of the Latina Nuclear Power Plant (Italy), consolidating one of the project’s most significant milestones: the lifting and precise positioning of the overhead crane that will support the operation of the cutting machine and the handling of the resulting rings during the upcoming phases.
This operation, carried out in collaboration with our partner within the EMIS joint venture and with the support of specialised suppliers, required a high degree of technical accuracy and continuous coordination between teams.
Safe lifting using Jack-up technology
At the initiative of our client Sogin—the state-owned company responsible for the decommissioning of nuclear facilities and the management of radioactive waste in Italy—the Jack-up system was selected. This solution enables the controlled and safe lifting of the overhead crane with precise operational oversight.
The method ensures millimetric synchronisation of the hydraulic jacks, maintains accuracy throughout the entire operation and reduces the risks associated with conventional lifting methods. Its stability and high controllability also make it particularly suitable for work in confined areas where accurate control of movement is essential.
The manoeuvre—which included the lifting, translation, and lowering of the assembly—was executed over a period of three weeks, with continuous shifts during the most sensitive phases, and with the permanent presence of GDES operational personnel on site.
Thanks to Sogin’s courtesy, images recorded inside the facility—where the decommissioning of the steam generators (boilers) is being carried out—are available. This activity requires specialised equipment and highly stringent technical controls.
The images show:
- The complete elevation of the structure onto 240 support boxes, engineered to ensure stability throughout the intervention and to withstand both the load and the foreseen movements.
- The use of Jack-up technology, enabling millimetric synchronisation of the hydraulic jacks—an essential requirement when handling large-tonnage components requiring precise motion control.
- The continuous progress of the works, 24 hours a day, which has made it possible to maintain steady advancement and ensure effective coordination among all involved teams.
Successful execution of this phase confirms both the solid pace of progress and the robustness of the technical planning. With this milestone achieved, the project continues to move forward toward the next stages in the dismantling of the iconic steam generators at the Latina Nuclear Power Plant.
We invite you to watch the video provided by Sogin, where the operations performed during this intervention can be seen in greater detail: