Zaporizhstal is set to increase spending on major crane repairs by almost sevenfold in 2026

The Zaporizhstal Steelworks continues to systematically upgrade its lifting machinery and crane equipment. While Zaporizhstal carried out major repairs to crane equipment worth 13.6 million UAH in 2025, the cost of similar repairs will amount to 90 million UAH in 2026. This is stated in the company’s press release.

In 2025, the company carried out major repairs to crane equipment worth 13.6 million UAH. In particular, a major overhaul of the ore-handling gantry crane was carried out in the blast furnace shop. In the slab mill section of the hot rolling shop, major repairs were carried out on two gantry cranes.

The modernisation programme included:

• replacement of critical components: renewal of running wheels, gearboxes, load ropes and hook suspensions;
• modernisation of electrical systems: installation of modern control systems and cabling;
• safety enhancements: major repairs to crane steel structures, and inspection of braking systems and safety devices.

In addition, the company has allocated approximately 170 million UAH to maintain the equipment in good working order and carry out routine repairs to crane equipment.

In 2026, Zaporizhstal continues the systematic modernisation of its crane fleet. Since the start of the year, 14 new industrial air conditioning units have been installed on overhead and gantry cranes in the hot rolling shop, cold rolling shop, blast furnace shop and open-hearth shop.

In total, the plant operates 230 hoisting mechanisms and 447 cranes.

As reported by GMK Center, Zaporizhstal produced 1.16 million tonnes of steel (-10.7% y-o-y) in January–May, 1.26 million tonnes of pig iron (-12% y-o-y), and 1.03 million tonnes of rolled steel (-6.3% y-o-y).