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Port of Skellefteå first to use SSAB Zero for foundation piles
May 22, 2024 10:05 CEST 6 min read
Construction is currently taking place for the first time using foundation piles made of SSAB Zero®, SSAB’s recycled steel produced with virtually no fossil emissions. The piles are being used in the expansion of the Port of Skellefteå, undertaken by Peab, and one quarter are made of SSAB Zero®. The choice of materials reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 80% compared with if the same piles had been manufactured using traditional coal and blast furnace technology.
“We’re delighted that our zero-emission steel can help reduce the climate impact of the expansion of the Port of Skellefteå. Together with partners like Peab, we’re laying the foundation for a fossil-free future,” says Thomas Hörnfeldt, VP, Head of Sustainable Business at SSAB.
The Port of Skellefteå has set its sights on becoming northern Sweden’s new logistics center. The municipality is investing in expanding the quay to be able to accept more and larger transport operations, in order to meet the needs of the regional economy and contribute to the green transition in the north. One requirement for suppliers is more sustainable material choices, which Peab addresses by such means as using piles made of SSAB Zero® and ECO concrete with a lower climate impact.
Jesper Göransson, CEO of Peab, Thomas Hörnfeldt, VP, Head of Sustainable Business at SSAB, and Evelina Fahlesson, Municipal Councilor in Skellefteå.
– The development of the new port area at the Port of Skellefteå will play a crucial role in the transformation of society and the industries being established here. Sustainability is important in all parts of the project, and together with Peab we want to build Sweden’s most sustainable quay. It’s pleasing that we’re the first to use piles made of recycled steel produced virtually without fossil emissions, and it’s clear evidence that we’re turning our vision into reality,” says Therese Bäckström Zidoli, Head of Function at Skellefteå Municipality.
– It’s important to dare to lead the way in the development of the entire construction industry towards using the lower-emission materials available. This is possible when there’s collaboration between purchasers, contractors and suppliers – like here in Skellefteå,” says Jesper Göransson, CEO of Peab.
SSAB Zero® is based on recycled steel and produced using fossil-free electricity and biogas. The steel is produced in SSAB’s electric arc furnaces in the U.S. and was launched in March 2023. Volumes will increase significantly when SSAB’s new electric arc furnace in Oxelösund is in place in 2026. SSAB Zero® has the same quality and properties as traditional steel – but is produced with virtually no fossil emissions.
Facts about the new port
- The construction of the Port of Skellefteå’s new quay is being undertaken in a partnership between Skellefteå Municipality and Peab Anläggning AB. The project started construction in January 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
- Skellefteå’s social and industrial development means that today’s port needs to be able to accept bigger ships and a higher volume of freight. Skellefteå Municipality also has an ambition to convert freight transport from road to ship and rail. This means that a new port area with a new quay that meets the requirements is necessary.
- The new quay will be 275 m long, 28 m wide and 12.5 m deep. It is longer, wider and deeper than existing quays. The quay will be 7,700 sq.m. with an adjacent terminal area of approximately 61,000 sq.m.
- Using foundation piles made of SSAB Zero reduces carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 80% compared with if the same piles had been produced using traditional steel. The calculation includes emissions from steel production and from the production of raw materials and energy used (scope 1, 2 and 3 upstream, i.e., from cradle to gate). The volume of steel delivered is sufficient for about one quarter of the piles.