Chris Scourfield, Project Engineer responsible for the preparatory works, described the scale of the transformation in the following words:
“This area was once the busiest part of the steelworks and plate mill. Up to five million tonnes of molten iron per year from two blast furnaces were processed through desulphurisation before being converted into liquid steel in two large converters.”
Scourfield noted that following the shutdown of steel production in 2024, transformation works began at pace. At the northern end of the site, hot metal stations, fume extraction hoods, rail tracks, industrial weighing scales and two desulphurisation stations have been safely removed. The cleared space is set to become a critical working area for electric arc furnace shells, as well as for refractory replacement and maintenance of steel ladles.
Decommissioning activities are progressing simultaneously across multiple areas of the site. At the top of the building, preparations are underway to dismantle the 500-tonne South Charging Machine (beam) crane. “We will cut an opening in the roof so that the massive crawler crane outside can lift it out,” Scourfield said.
In the southern section of the steelworks, the transformation is even more pronounced. Former scrap yards, workshops and the secondary steelmaking area known as the “casting bay” have been completely cleared, with walls demolished. This space will house the electric arc furnace along with two new ladle metallurgy furnaces. In addition, extensive piling and ground improvement works are being carried out to create a strong, level foundation aligned with the external yard, which will support the Consteel® conveyor structure.
Scourfield also highlighted the personal significance of the project for him:
“Some of the equipment we are removing today is equipment I helped install 35 years ago. It is a challenging process, but knowing that it is making way for a new steelmaking route that secures the future of the site for the next generation makes it worthwhile.”
With new buildings and equipment scheduled to arrive later this year, the Port Talbot steelworks is preparing to undergo the most significant transformation since its establishment in 1972.
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