Chinook Power Station

Client

Confidential

Location

Swift Current, Saskatchewan

Power Generation

Chinook Power Station Project

Business Unit

Energy Crane

The Chinook Power Station project, located in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, presented a range of operational and environmental challenges for Energy Crane over a multi-year construction period (2017–2020). Energy Crane was responsible for the supply, mobilization, and operation of all heavy lift and support cranes used throughout the project, executing key scopes including module and bundle setting, structural steel erection, and cladding hoisting. Working through extreme weather conditions, tight mobilization timelines, and multiple simultaneous work fronts, the team delivered a safe, efficient, and on schedule execution.

As part of the project, Energy Crane delivered a comprehensive crane and rigging solution, which included detailed lift planning, on site operations, and technical rigging support. A range of cranes was deployed to meet the needs of the project, a 660-ton Demag CC2800-2 crawler crane was used for setting the modules and HRSG bundles; a 330-ton crawler crane provided dedicated support for mechanical activities; a 275-ton Terex HC275 crawler crane was used for both steel erection and mechanical scopes; and a 220-ton Manitowoc 14000 crawler crane supported various structural steel erection requirements. Each crane was responsible for completing multiple lifts per day under different scopes, requiring precise scheduling and tight coordination between teams.

Several significant challenges marked the execution of this project. One of the most pressing was the extremely tight mobilization windows. Coordinated efforts between Energy Crane and other Myshak entities, Myshak Transportation Group (MTG) and Myshak Sales & Rentals Ltd. (MSR) ensured the timely delivery and setup of cranes and equipment to meet critical project milestones. Another challenge was the vertical installation of HRSG bundles, which had only millimeters of clearance during placement, demanding extraordinary precision from the crew. Saskatchewan’s rapidly changing weather, particularly high winds, also posed frequent operational hurdles. These unpredictable conditions directly impacted lifting activities, especially during the delicate bundle placements. Furthermore, the project required the managing of multiple simultaneous scopes, including steel erection, mechanical installations, and cladding work. This necessitated continuous communication and coordination across work fronts on a daily basis.

To navigate these challenges and avoid disruptions to the client’s schedule, Energy Crane implemented several strategic solutions. Flexible shift scheduling enabled teams to capitalize on favorable weather windows, allowing for critical lifts to be performed during overnight hours. Comprehensive lift planning was conducted for each scope, carefully accounting for site logistics, crane capacities, and environmental variables. Proactive equipment maintenance was prioritized to ensure uninterrupted operations, even during heavy utilization and fluctuating temperatures. Daily coordination meetings were also instrumental in aligning lifting activities across scopes, helping to prevent operational conflicts and maximize overall efficiency on site.

Energy Crane successfully completed all assigned scopes in a safe and timely manner, consistently meeting the expectations of the client. The project’s success can be attributed to the team’s precision in execution, adaptability in real time, and strong cross functional collaboration within the broader Myshak organization. The Chinook Power Station project stands as a testament to Energy Crane’s ability to manage complex, high-volume, and highly precise lifting operations under demanding environmental conditions while delivering reliable results across multiple critical scopes.