Bokaro: Boosting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) is now producing special steel for commercial ships. Until now, steel for shipbuilding in the country was imported from abroad.
BSL is the first unit within the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) to produce such steel. In February 2024, it received certification from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) for “steel suitable for general and high-strength shipbuilding.” The plant has previously supplied special steel to Indian government companies for naval shipbuilding, producing DMR-249 grade steel for warships. However, ABS-grade sheets and plates required for commercial ships were not produced in SAIL before. With recognition from the American Bureau of Standards, production has now begun.
Now, the country will not only become self-reliant but will also be able to export this type of steel to countries that build general and high-strength ships.
BSL has long supplied steel for naval combat equipment, including submarines, frigates, and diving support vessels (DSVs). With the new certification, BSL will also supply steel for commercial ships.
Special Features
- ABS-grade steel meets international standards and is used in building general and high-strength ships.
- Ships made from hot-rolled coils, with thicknesses of 4-10 millimeters and widths of 1100-1800 millimeters, do not deteriorate even after long periods at sea. They are lightweight yet very strong.
- BSL received certification from ABS and IRS for this work in February this year.
Goa Shipyard Order Led to Steel Development Initiative
BSL received an order from Goa Shipyard Limited for ABS-grade sheets and plates. Following directives from the SAIL corporate office, BSL initiated the process.
The Research and Control Laboratory (RCL) department, in collaboration with RDCIS, Bokaro, studied the production conditions with existing facilities and started the certification process with ABS. After several rounds of study and testing, the required quality level was achieved.
Indian Government Companies as Buyers:
- Cochin Shipyard Limited
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
- Goa Shipyard Limited
- Naval Dockyard
- Bombay Dockyard
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
- Hindustan Shipyard Limited
Bokaro Steel is now the sole supplier of steel for any commercial ships built by these government companies, as it is the only one certified to produce this grade of steel. This achievement is a significant success under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Until now, this type of steel was imported from other countries. The first order has been received from Cochin Shipyard Limited, and preparations for dispatch are underway.
