EDF required a new fleet of road-legal A2 flask transporters to replace ageing equipment and support the defuelling of AGR reactors across the UK.
The trailers needed to transport A2 flasks safely under STGO Category 2 requirements while meeting demanding nuclear quality, safety, operational and documentation standards. The fleet also had to support long-term defuelling operations, with high availability essential to avoid disruption to flask movements.
King developed a complete bespoke trailer design for EDF, producing nine A2 flask transporters for the defuelling programme.
The transporter is a five-axle road-going trailer with two fixed axles and three steering axles to improve manoeuvrability. The design incorporates an aluminium bulkhead and powered aluminium canopy, a bunded flask area, autolube, EBS braking, electronic suspension controls, camera and ultrasonic sensor systems, warning beacons, safe-access provisions and an electronic canopy control system with multiple safety features.
Design calculations and manufacture were completed to the required nuclear quality grades, with a full LTQR pack produced for each unit. The trailers were designed to support a minimum 20-year operating life, with spare parts, obsolescence monitoring and lifecycle support included as part of the programme.
The fleet has successfully supported the defuelling of Hunterston B, with Hinkley Point B following shortly after. The units are currently supporting defuelling operations at Dungeness and operational support at Torness ahead of future defuelling activity.
King continues to provide service, maintenance and rapid breakdown response for the fleet, helping EDF maintain continuity of flask operations across multiple nuclear sites.
