SSI UK has recently achieved a major milestone having exported over one million tonnes of steel slab through PD Ports owned Teesport.
The millionth tonne was loaded on to the Yasa Eagle on Friday 5 October as part of a 64,000 tonne shipment. The vessel sailed from Teesport on Sunday 7 October destined for Thailand. The latest shipment represents a significant uplift in the handling of slab through Teesport since the plant was mothballed in 2010, and one which has been achieved through the major investment of SSI.
David Robinson, PD Ports’ CEO, commented: "This is a significant milestone reached and one which we are delighted to see achieved. Exporting such a large amount of slab in just five months since production restarted would not have been possible without the strong partnership between PD Ports and SSI UK, and together we aim to deliver an outstanding and first class performance.
“However it remains critically important that all supply chain members and stakeholders, including Government, work together to create a long term and stable platform for SSI UK.”
Phil Dryden, Chief Executive of SSI UK, said: “2012 has been a challenging year for all of the stakeholders associated with the restart of iron and steel making on Teesside, and we are grateful for the wonderful support we have received. I am very pleased that the plant operational performance has met our expectations and that the export route through Teesport has been such a tremendous success. This reflects the very effective working relationship and close cooperation which exists between PD Ports and SSI UK.”
The rebirth of steelmaking on Teesside was celebrated back in April when the region saw the first slabs produced by SSI UK and then a month later exported from Teesport to Thailand. This investment signaled a tremendous boost to the industrial and manufacturing capability of the region, and highlighted Teesside’s potential to be seen as a place to invest, develop and produce for global markets.