Client: Nuclear Electric PLC/SSEB/National Nuclear Corporation Ltd
Programme: 1989 (our involvement)
Value: Confidential
Sector: Energy – Power generation (low carbon), nuclear new build

Description

• Reactor coolant gas & cooling water systems at Heysham II & Torness AGR together with site wide LP pipework systems at Torness.  Davis Langdon was engaged some 5 years into construction to implement effective post contract cost management & site erection productivity analyses.

The Challenge

• To stop Babcock’s losses which were circa £50m in 1985 (5 years into construction).
• Analysis of phased implementation strategies.
• Development of shared resource plans for two sites.
• Evaluating how changed condition & circumstance affected working patterns.
• Establishment of skills based critical path analyses.

The Solution

• Identification of comparable task based study areas on each station.
• Determining a typical conditions and influences.
• Development of accurate productivity records.
• Introduction in improvement measures.
• Monitoring benefits.

The Results

• Recovery of historic costs related to productivity losses.
• Productivity improvements.
• The project was back in profit on its completion.

The Lesson

• Strong visible leadership team required in the planning process.
• Clear basis of understanding between client and contractor will ensure a successful project.
• Ensure that logistics plan and access procedures are in place from the outset.