16 Mar 2021

British Steel delivers first rails to Europe under new ownership

British Steel is celebrating another milestone with the dispatch of its first high-quality rail from Scunthorpe to Europe since being taken over by Jingye Group.

The occasion was realised after winning a contract to supply 5,500 tonnes of flat-bottomed rail to Väylävirasto – the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (FTIA).

Commercial Director Craig Harvey said: “This is an important contract for us in a very competitive marketplace. Although we have supplied the Finnish network previously, this is the first time a European national rail operator has received rail directly from a contract arranged through our Scunthorpe office.

“The first delivery of 864 50-metre rails was made to the FTIA at the end of January and the next batch is due to be shipped in May.”

The rails were also the first to be shipped since the UK left the European Union last year. Although there were a few teething issues, the team worked hard in the background to ensure these didn’t impact on the delivery, resulting in relatively plain sailing. The rails arrived at Hamina Harbour, Finland, before being transported by rail to the welding plant at Kaipiainen.

Craig said: “The steel will be used for the FTIA’s annual track maintenance programme. We’re delighted to be supplying rail to Finland once more – the fact they have chosen us to supply again is testament to the high standards we set.”