The smelter as seen from above

EMIRATES Aluminium (Emal), a leading UAE-based smelter, recently celebrated the installation of the final steel structure for the potline of its phase II expansion.

With the final one of 120 specially designed steel structures provided by Emirates Steel now in place, it means that all the major civil and mechanical work on the world’s longest single potline of 1.7 km is now complete.

With this, Emal remains on target to deliver its ambitious expansion plans, said a top official.

“Made in the UAE, but recognised around the world is something we are very proud of at Emal. Working together with Emirates Steel is the epitome of the skill and unity that exists within our nation. It is this togetherness which will provide a strong economic future for the country and our people,” remarked Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei, the Emal president and CEO at a ceremony onsite at the potline.

Al Mazrooei was joined by Emirates Steel CEO Saeed Ghumran Al Romaithi and Emal VP (Projects) Yousuf Bastaki.

Ships in both floating docks at Asry

The first steel structure was raised in July 2012, which means that completion was within the anticipated target of 12 months. The project was also completed without a single Lost Time Injury (LTI) – the industry standard for measuring success in health and safety.

Al Romaithi said Emirates Steel was honoured to have contributed to this important industrial project for the UAE.

“The steel structures we have provided were specifically designed for the aluminium firm to meet their exact needs. Matching the expertise of Emirates Steel with the project management of Emal has proved a great recipe for success,” he added.

Yousuf Bastaki said the expansion of the plant into one of the largest single-site smelters in the world is a project to be welcomed by all Emiratis.

“To deliver the sub-structure for the new potline ahead of schedule and without a single LTI is testament to the skill and commitment of everyone involved in delivering this major industrial project, which will help provide a sustainable economy well into the future,” he added.