Tank demolition & dismantling
Demolishing or dismantling tank roofs and complete tanks — preserving whatever remains usable. From floating roofs to phased demolition with retention of the base or wall, safely carried out alongside operating installations.
On terminals and in the (petro)chemical sector, storage tanks measure tens of metres across. A roof that can no longer be repaired after major maintenance, a tank due for replacement, or an installation that must be partly preserved — DCC removes tank roofs and complete tanks, often retaining whatever is still usable.
What we can do
- Remove or replace floating roofs (including double-deck) and fixed roofs
- Demolish complete tanks — retaining the base, or retaining the wall
- Phased dismantling that keeps usable parts (base, wall rings, spiral staircase) intact
- Work alongside operating installations and other contractors, with tight planning
- Handle contamination and fire risk: adapted cutting plans, cold cutting where needed
Preserve where possible
Not every tank has to come down entirely. Often a large part is still perfectly usable — a recently replaced base, the lower wall rings, the spiral staircase. What stays is determined in advance together with the client — based on the requirements and wishes — and we tailor the demolition method to it. That saves you the cost of a rebuild you don’t need.
Safety at every cut
Demolishing a roof or wall ring releases forces; with a vacuum defect a tank can even implode. That is why we work with pre-cut sections, lifting cranes, additional bracing and fall protection, and lift critical parts out under control. Contaminated compartments — where flammable product has penetrated — are not cut with a torch; there we adapt the plan.
- 01
Requirements & plan
Together with the client we look at the requirements and wishes — what has to go and what stays. On that basis we draw up a cutting and lifting plan, tailored to contamination, fire risk and the surroundings.
- 02
Roof out
The (floating) roof is pre-cut and lifted out in sections under control, while the base and wall remain undamaged.
- 03
Structure & wall
The roof structure and crown are stabilised and removed; the upper wall rings come out, while the parts to be preserved stay in place.
- 04
Disposal & handover
Material is cut down outside the tank, scrap is separated for disposal, and the site is handed over ready for rebuilding or restart.
Tank demolition & dismantling
Can a tank roof be replaced without damaging the tank itself?
Yes. The roof is pre-cut and lifted out in sections under control while floor and shell remain intact. We did this on the Maasvlakte, among other places, with a 500-tonne double-deck floating roof.
How do you deal with fire risk and product residues in the tank?
We determine the cutting plan per tank beforehand. Contaminated sections where flammable product has penetrated are not cut with a torch but with an adapted method, such as cold cutting.
Can parts of the tank be preserved?
Often, yes: a recently replaced floor, the lower shell courses or the spiral staircase. We decide together with you beforehand what is preserved and adapt the demolition method accordingly. That saves you new construction that is not needed.
How long does removing a tank roof take?
That depends on the size and contamination, but with a tight cutting and lifting plan a roof can be gone within a week, including disposal and cleaning. We plan around the subsequent new construction.
Ready to start your project?
Tell us about your job — a reply within two working days.
Request a quote