Zaporizhstal shut down blast furnace No. 2 for overhaul

Zaporizhstal Iron and Steel Works has announced the shutdown of blast furnace No. 2 for a week-long overhaul. This is stated in the company’s press release.

As part of the overhaul, the blast furnace shop, Metinvest Promservice and other specialists will replace the charging apparatus, repair the foundry equipment, hydraulic and lubrication systems. The plans also include repairing the metal structures and railroad tracks of the bunker overpass.

In January-April, Zaporizhstal increased its rolled steel production by 59.4% compared to the same period in 2023, up to 844.8 thousand tons. The company produced 1.05 million tons of iron (+46.5% y/y) and 1.01 million tons of steel (+56.1% y/y). Repairs at BF No. 2 are likely to have a minor impact on May’s performance.

Since 2022, the company has invested over UAH 1.2 billion to maintain its production facilities. In 2023, investments are estimated at UAH 750 million, and in 2022 – at UAH 500 million. The main projects include the overhaul of blast furnace No. 3, the upgrade of sinter plant equipment and gas cleaning systems.

In 2023, Zaporizhstal increased its output by 50.6% compared to 2022, to 7.24 million tons. In particular, the plant produced

• pig iron – 2.72 million tons (+35.3% y/y);
• steel – 2.47 million tons (+65.4%);
• rolled products – 2.05 million tons (+57.2%).

Enemy shelling and destruction, interruptions in the supply of raw materials and energy, and disruption of logistics routes due to the blockade of seaports led to a decrease in Zaporizhstal’s production performance compared to pre-war levels. In particular, in 2021, the plant produced 4.5 million tons of iron, 3.8 million tons of steel and 3.2 million tons of rolled products. In 2023, the plant operated at an average of 70% of its capacity.