Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
September 2025
Aim of inspection
This inspection looked at the Development of the Pre-Ops organisation on site. In particular, we examined the development of the LC28 arrangements; LC23 Operating Rules and LC24 operational documentation with a limited review of the LC10 training of the operators.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC10 - Training - Rating: Not rated
- LC23 - Operating rules - Rating: Green
- LC24 - Operating instructions - Rating: Green
- LC28 - Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
Through review of arrangements and discussions with relevant responsible persons from the dutyholder organisation, the inspection tested the development and maturity of the arrangements in relation to these topics and the forward programme to close any gaps prior to operations.
The inspection was observed by regulatory representatives from Turkey, Canada and Czechia.
We found that the Pre-Ops organisation is making good progress in drafting operating instructions and deriving operational rules. The methodology being used in relation to operating rules will follow a graded approach. We consider this good practice in line with ONR Technical Assessment Guide TAG 23 – specifically paragraphs 4 & 5.
Work is ongoing to align the reliability centred maintenance based on relevant standards (including INPO AP-913) and surveillance programmes derived in part from the safety case. This topic will be subject to continuing regulatory interest as it develops. We sampled the current construction maintenance regime of the polar crane and minor issues were found with the scope of the maintenance performed.
Conclusion
HPC are making good progress toward being operational ready at the start of active commissioning with progress being made towards defining operating Rules, authoring operating Instructions and defining an underpinned maintenance regime for structure, systems and components. No significant issues were found or raised so a rating of GREEN has been awarded against LC23, LC24 and LC28 . All these topics will be subject to continuing regulatory interest as they develop.