Enerpac has been awarded a contract from Holtec International, a diversified energy technology company, to design, fabricate and commission a 170 metric ton Vertical Cask Transporter. The transporter combines the lifting capability of a hydraulic gantry with the flexibility of a self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) to provide safe handling of the casks.

Holtec is a global supplier of nuclear equipment and handling systems within the energy industry. The Vertical Cask Transporter (VCT) will provide Holtec with a system for safely handling and transporting casks at a spent nuclear fuel storage facility.

The wheeled cask transporter’s modular assembly design features a number of key functional and safety features including normal steer, 90 degree turn, crab and auto-rotation turn and drive capability, and innovative cab design allowing the VCT operator to face the direction of travel. Safe handling of the casks is assured by the VCT’s drop prevention system and integrated cask restraint, a hydraulically operated clamp that secures the cask for transport. The cask handling system has low ground bearing pressure. It is fully CE certified.

“The Vertical Cask Transporter is the ideal solution for moving spent nuclear fuel storage casks that need to be lifted and manoeuvred on-site,” says Mart Hinnen, director projects and engineering, Enerpac. “It is especially suited to handling casks where space restrictions rule out the use of a crane, or if a completely integrated lift and transport system is needed.”