Mammoet, the global leader in heavy lifting and transport, is playing a pivotal role in the life-extension of Bruce Power, one of the world’s largest nuclear power plants, located in Ontario, Canada. The initiative, part of the Major Component Replacement (MCR) projects, aims to secure the plant’s operation until 2064.
The MCR projects, which began in January 2020, focus on replacing major components in six reactor units (Units 3-8) across Bruce Power’s two stations, Bruce A and Bruce B. Together, these stations provide over 30% of Ontario’s power and produce vital cancer-fighting medical isotopes.
As part of a broader Life-Extension program launched in 2016, the MCR projects are Ontario’s largest private sector clean-energy initiative, contributing to Canada’s climate goals by ensuring a sustainable and reliable energy supply.
Mammoet is collaborating with the Steam Generator Replacement Team (SGRT), a consortium that includes Aecon, United Engineers & Constructors, and Framatome. Mammoet’s role involves the removal and installation of 90-tonne steam generators, a critical component of the refurbishment. The company is using its PTC-35 ring crane—one of the world’s highest-capacity land-based cranes—for this work, which includes lifting and temporarily storing 300-tonne steam drums to access the generators.
Additionally, Mammoet’s specialist equipment is supporting on-site movements of heat exchangers, electrical equipment, and transformers. Following the successful refurbishment of Unit 6 at Bruce B, work is now underway on Unit 3 at Bruce A, with Unit 4 scheduled to commence in February.
Kyle Hannah, Account Manager at Mammoet, expressed his pride in supporting the project: “We are delighted to be contributing to this important refurbishment project for Bruce Power, and to build on a relationship stretching back to the early nineties. As the world’s largest engineered heavy lifting and transport company, we are well-placed to ensure that one of the world’s largest nuclear extension programs proceeds smoothly, and – most importantly – safely.”
Hannah highlighted the PTC-35 ring crane’s unique capabilities, adding: “With its huge outreach, the PTC-35 is the ideal tool to reach deep into existing facilities such as this, allowing all installations to take place without relocating lifting equipment and affecting the project schedule.”
Rob Hoare, Vice President of MCR Execution at Bruce Power, praised Mammoet’s longstanding expertise: “We have worked with Mammoet for many years. They have a great understanding of the way we work, our facility and the high levels of safety and execution needed for the maintenance of nuclear power plants. They provide the right people and equipment at the time we need them to complete projects safely and efficiently.”
