ArcelorMittal orders two new converters for Dunkirk

DF Calderería Pesada (DFCP) has bagged an order from Primetals Technologies to build two new converters for ArcelorMittal’s steelmaking plant in Dunkirk, in northern France.

The two converters are planned to be the world’s largest and will be installed next year. DFCP will construct and test the equipment at its plants in Gijón, Spain, Kallanish learns from the company.

Primetals has also recently started a new LD converter at ArcelorMittal’s plant in Ghent, Belgium, part of the steelmaker’s Europe Flat Products division.

This summer, ArcelorMittal has idled one blast furnace – HF2 – at its Dunkirk mill, effectively reducing output for the coming months. According to the plans issued by trade unions, HF2 should be restarted at the end of September when another furnace at the site, HF3, will be temporary idled.

The site is expected, therefore, to operate mostly with two blast furnaces during the coming months, with occasional moments during which only one blast furnace will be in operation. As a result, the steelmaking plant at Dunkirk should be working using two of the three converters at the site from the end of June (see Kallanish 20 June).

Natalia Capra France