A powerful planning team, working on the European Spallation Source (ESS)

ESS is a circa €2BN state of the art scientific research facility, currently under construction in Lund, Sweden. The project commenced in June 2014 and main construction works are due for completion in 2020. Strata are currently providing interface planning management to ESS, supporting the smooth handover of multiple buildings to stakeholders, having previously provided planning expertise for the development of the overall project master schedule.

This photograph was taken on one of our monthly project site walks, which are attended by all planners working on this project, including planners from Skanska (main construction contractor), CF (Conventional facilities), Accelerator Division, Target Division, ICS (Integrated Control Systems), NSS (Neutron Scattering System) and ESS Management.

As ESS will be the world’s next-generation neutron source and will involve cutting edge science, the design demands for this project continue to evolve. This serves to emphasise the importance of having structured planning methodology in place, as well as a collaborative approach that is adaptable to change. It also highlights the need for having integrated programmes, combining design, procurement, main contractor and stakeholder activities. Much of the interface planning in progress concerns activities commencing in 2019, including optical inserts in the monolith neutron target station, with alignment tolerances in the microns!, signalling how important coordination is for this project.

The interface planning for this project will continue to run concurrently with live construction works, requiring detailed coordination and scheduling, which from experience, is never too early to start preparing for.

For more information on ESS, please visit www.europeanspallationsource.se and for more information on how Strata can support your business, please visit www.strataprojectsolutions.com