In a significant move that underscores its commitment to long-term operational excellence, Kazakhstan's leading steelmaker Qarmet has embarked on a major overhaul of its Basic Oxygen Furnace vessel No. 1. This strategic decision, announced by the company formerly known as ArcelorMittal Temirtau, marks a crucial step in enhancing its steelmaking capabilities and ensuring sustainable production for years to come.
The ambitious project, slated to span 90 days, involves a comprehensive refurbishment of the converter. At the heart of this overhaul is the replacement of the converter body, a critical component in the steelmaking process. This extensive renovation is not merely a routine maintenance procedure but a proactive measure to address long-standing issues with the vessel. Ruslan Esilbayev, Director of Steelmaking at Qarmet, emphasized the timely nature of this repair, stating, BOF vessel No.1 has been in need of repair for a long time.
The timing of this overhaul is strategic, following the successful launch of BOF vessel No. 2 in May. This prior upgrade allowed Qarmet to operate all three of its BOF vessels at peak capacity for several months, resulting in the achievement of ambitious steel production targets. The current shutdown of vessel No. 1 is therefore a calculated move, leveraging the enhanced capacity of the other vessels to maintain production levels while undertaking this critical maintenance.
During the renovation period, Qarmet will continue its steelmaking operations using BOF vessels No. 2 and No. 3. This approach ensures that the company's production capabilities remain robust, minimizing any potential impact on output. The company's foresight in preparing a new vessel body in advance further demonstrates its commitment to efficient project management and minimal disruption to operations.
The implications of this overhaul extend beyond the immediate operational benefits. Once the repairs and subsequent commissioning are completed, the revamped BOF vessel No. 1 is expected to significantly boost the plant's overall production capacity. This increase in capacity aligns with Qarmet's ambitious plans for 2024, which include a projected 13% increase in steel production compared to 2023, targeting an output of 3.3 million metric tons.
This major renovation project comes at a time when Kazakhstan's steel industry is showing strong growth. In the first half of 2024, the country reported a 6.3% increase in steel production compared to the same period in 2023, reaching 2.09 million metric tons. Notably, the production of flat products saw a substantial rise of 31.7% year-on-year, totaling 1.6 million metric tons. These figures underscore the growing importance of Kazakhstan's steel sector and Qarmet's pivotal role within it.
