Tata Steel advances low CO2 steelmaking plans through major crane project

Tata Steel UK has taken another major step forward in its journey to low CO2 ‘green’ steelmaking with a new contract awarded to JASO Industrial Cranes, an elite manufacturer of process cranes worldwide

As part of Tata Steel’s £1.25 billion investment in sustainable steel production at Port Talbot, JASO will supply seven high-capacity process girder cranes to support the operation of the plant’s state-of-the-art Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) facility.

When fully operational in 2028, Tata Steel’s Electric Arc Furnace will be one of the largest in the world and will reduce the site’s carbon emissions by 90% - equivalent to five million tonnes of CO₂ a year.

Key components of the contract with JASO Cranes include:

  • Three 500-tonne capacity cranes for handling liquid steel ladles, essential for the efficient operation of the new steelmaking facility
  • Two 80-tonne scrap cranes to feed the Electric Arc Furnace via an integrated conveyor system, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials
  • Two 35-tonne cranes for electrode maintenance, supporting the ongoing operation of the plant’s advanced equipment

Stuart Lloyd, Project Manager for the Cranes Project said: “We’re excited to strengthen our longstanding partnership with JASO on this crucial part of our £1.25 billion transformation.

“Back in 2019, we worked with JASO to replace our 60-year-old North Charging Crane, which lifted hot metal ladles to charge the Steel Plant's converters with molten iron. We’ve built on the lessons learned from that project to help guide this exciting next phase of our green steelmaking journey.”

He continued: “These seven new, high-capacity process cranes will play a pivotal role in connecting different parts of our cutting-edge Electric Arc Furnace facility, enabling low-emission steel production in South Wales for many years to come.”

Raúl Fernández, Marketing & Sales Director at JASO Industrial Cranes said: “We are extremely proud to continue delivering cutting-edge engineering solutions for high-profile projects like this one in Port Talbot.

“This order marks both the largest and most impactful project in our company’s history. It is truly a privilege to play a key role in the UK steel industry’s transition to a stronger and more sustainable future.”