Fifty days on from the cessation of production at Blast Furnace 4, the sinter plant, ore yards, primary steelmaking and energy operations, activities across Port Talbot’s heavy end continue at pace to decommission assets, make them safe, and keep them safe.

While 30 September was a hugely significant day for the business, it was not the end of the story – in fact, it was the start of the next critically important chapter. 

Dean Cartwright, Works Manager Coke, Sinter and Iron, said: “Even though the burden inside Blast Furnace 4 is still burning itself out – which is why people can see steam being emitted from the top – a significant amount of work has still been carried out.

“Isolations have been put in place to separate the furnace from the works gas mains, while all materials from the bunkers and charging system have been returned to the primary yards and are being sold.”

In Energy, miles of pipework and all manner of assets have already been cleaned and isolated. 

Works Manager Steve Maynard said: “Our cessation framework and closure checklist is well advanced, while 'cut and cap' operations are proceeding to plan in a strictly controlled manner. 

“Our cessation framework and closure checklist is well advanced"

“The team has been busy securing gas, water, steam and boiler isolations; cleaning tanks and pipework; and erecting around 1.5 miles of CDM (Construction Design & Management) and security fencing – all to plan, on budget, and accident-free.

“Water and steam isolations and progressing ahead of plan and are being adapted to meet the demands of the works areas that are still operational."

The Harbour – where the iconic unloader cranes have dominated the skyline for decades – Blending Plant, and Sinter Plant have all been hives of activity, too. 
David Morgan, Manager Works Operations – Burdening and Carbon, said: “Various conveyors and stackers have been safely secured, cleaned, and electrically cut and capped - including the removal of major parts such as drive motors, gearboxes and fluid couplings – while the process of removing many miles of belts is also now under way. 

“The unloaders have been positioned and cleaned, and the ropes and grabs all removed. One stacker and conveyor is being kept live for remaining material movements. At the Sinter Plant, the blender and incoming line have been mechanically decommissioned, as have the rod mill and conveying system. “Next up is the sinter strand and cooler following the final run-off.” 

Work to decommission and make safe the gigantic assets in Steel and Slab has also progressed rapidly. Works Manager James Davies said: “We have meticulously enacted the plan and isolated the majority of the BOS Plant, including nitrogen purging all main gas pipelines. 

“Both steelmaking vessels have been wrecked and work has begun to strip the skirt and hood, while we are also working through the maintenance and stripping of the old cranes. 

“In Continuous Casting, all the segments have now been stripped out of casters 1 and 3, and we are on track to fully decommission and mothball those assets by December.”

He added: “While this is clearly a very important phase of our transition, we should not lose sight of the people side of this process. I know how difficult this is for everyone, with many colleagues leaving the company and others being cross-matched to other roles. I would like to thank each and every one of them for their dedication and professionalism, and wish them the very best for the future.”