In August 2024, J W Hinchliffe Tanks successfully completed a unique and challenging project: the cleaning and degassing of two generator fuel tanks at the Royal Sovereign Lighthouse, located several kilometres off the Eastbourne coastline in the English Channel. This case study details how our specialist team overcame logistical hurdles and environmental concerns to ensure the safe removal of the lighthouse’s fuel tanks.
The Challenge: Decommissioning Fuel Tanks in a Remote and Complex Environment
The Royal Sovereign Lighthouse, erected in 1971 and decommissioned in March 2022, presented a unique challenge. Standing 33 meters above the waterline, it contained two 10,000-litre doughnut-shaped steel fuel tanks that powered its generators and heating system. Robore Ltd, the principal demolition contractor, tasked J W Hinchliffe Tanks to clean and degas these tanks, facilitating the lighthouse’s complete removal. The size, location and condition of the tanks were initially unknown.
Site Survey and Planning: Overcoming Logistical Hurdles
Our Project Manager, Jack Hartley, conducted an initial site survey to assess the tank’s size, location and condition. This survey aimed to determine the steps necessary to make the tanks safe for removal. Due to the lighthouse’s remote location, this required a trip via rigid inflatable boat (RIB). Even though the demolition process had begun, they paused it so that we could complete the tank survey.
The survey revealed that the tanks were located within the lighthouse’s central shaft, one above the other and contained residual fuel oil. We quickly developed a scope of works, Health & Safety documentation, and a safe system of work (SSoW) based on the findings of the survey to ensure we could make the tanks safe.
Executing the Project: Addressing Environmental Concerns and Confined Space Entry
Working within a tight timeframe, we mobilised to the site. To access the lighthouse, we utilised a mobile work barge that also served as a stable work platform once its legs were deployed to the seabed. This barge transported our specialist equipment and housed our team overnight. We pumped the remaining fuel oil from the two 10,000-litre tanks. Due to the location and risk of potential environmental pollution, we implemented secondary and tertiary containment for our pumping equipment. We achieved this by running pipework through additional ducting sections, creating a bund.
With the tanks emptied, we drained the pipework to ensure no residual fuel remained. We carefully removed this from the lighthouse shaft before cleaning began. Our high-risk confined space entry and rescue-trained engineers established a safe entry system to allow access, egress and rescue procedures. They then cleaned the tanks to prepare them for removal. We uplifted all sludges, silts, and washings from the cleaning process into our bespoke trailer vacuum unit, located some 60 meters away on the barge..
Completion and Waste Management
Upon completion, we tested the tanks’ lower explosive limit (LEL), issued a gas-free certificate, and demobilised our equipment. All waste generated from the works was transported back to our waste transfer station in Leeds for compliant disposal. Paperwork and job reports were issued on the same day via our job management system. This allowed the client to continue with the demolition, knowing that the environmental risk from the tanks was eliminated. A job well done for the Hinchliffe Team.
Key Services Provided:
- Fuel tank cleaning
- Tank decommissioning
- Confined space entry
- Environmental containment and pollution prevention
- Waste management and disposal
- Project Management
J W Hinchliffe Tanks successfully completed the complex fuel tank cleaning and decommissioning at the Royal Sovereign Lighthouse, demonstrating our expertise in handling challenging projects with significant logistical and environmental considerations. We delivered the project on time and to the satisfaction of Robore Ltd, ensuring the smooth progression of the lighthouse’s demolition.
Contact J W Hinchliffe Tanks today for all your fuel tank cleaning, decommissioning, and environmental management needs.
