Fortuitous Fire-Up Foiled by Furnace Fiasco at Galati

Just days after its long-awaited relighting on June 4, Blast Furnace No5 at Liberty Steel’s Galati plant encountered a serious technical mishap. On the night of June 12, the unit experienced a rare “salamander” incident, an accumulation of solidified molten iron & slag, that dislodged and clogged the furnace’s drainage outlets. This forced an immediate emergency shutdown to prevent further damage or safety risks.

Salamander Snafu Sparks Sudden Shutdown Scenario

According to industry sources, the detached salamander caused a critical obstruction, halting the newly rekindled furnace that had been dormant for over a year. The shutdown raised concerns due to the timing, only days into its ramp-up phase. However, Liberty’s teams acted swiftly, initiating a cleanup of the blockage. Inspections are ongoing to determine whether any long-term damage was sustained, although initial assessments suggest the furnace structure may remain intact.

Operational Optimism Outshines Obstruction Ordeal

Despite the disruption, Liberty Steel maintained a positive stance. “The blast furnace is in the process of increasing & stabilizing production,” a spokesperson said on June 13. “Our team is focused on safely resolving the issue caused by rapid cooling of the liquids.” The company clarified that this was a known technical risk in early-stage blast furnace operations & would not derail broader production plans.

Provisional Productivity Preserved Despite Production Pause

Fortunately, the rolling mill operations at Galati were not expected to be delayed. Liberty confirmed that it had already produced over 15,000 metric tons of steel slab prior to the incident, which would feed the mills as planned from next week. This advance in semi-finished inventory ensures continuity in deliveries to customers, particularly in the hot-rolled coil & plate segments.

Diverse Deliverables Dominate Danube-Based Domain

Located on the west bank of the River Danube in southeastern Romania, Liberty Galati is a cornerstone of regional steel supply. With installed capacities of 3.5 million metric tons per year of hot-rolled coil, 1 million of cold-rolled coil, 1.2 million of plate, and 350,000 of hot-dipped galvanized coil, the plant is vital to both domestic & export markets. Only BF No5, of 2 million metric tons pig iron capacity, is currently active, though the site houses five blast furnaces totaling more than 6 million metric tons of potential output.

Resuscitated Resource Reaffirms Regional Relevance

The relighting of BF No5 marked a significant turnaround for the Galati plant, which had idled major equipment in May 2024 amid adverse market conditions. Its reactivation signaled renewed confidence in both market demand and operational viability. Liberty’s decision to resume operations reflects broader industry efforts to rebuild European steel supply chains after years of volatility.

Strategic Stabilisation Seen as Steely Statement of Strength

Though the failure is a technical setback, Liberty's quick response demonstrates resilience. With raw materials in stock, stable supply chains, and functioning downstream operations, the company emphasized its continued capacity to produce & deliver high-quality steel. It reiterated its commitment to full operational restoration at Galati and to fulfilling customer commitments without disruption.

Galati’s Green Goals Grapple with Growing Global Grit

Liberty’s broader vision for Galati includes decarbonisation and modernisation aligned to EU climate goals. While not directly related to the current furnace glitch, the push toward sustainable steelmaking remains a central part of its roadmap. The challenges of operating under such constraints, especially amid global competition, reinforce the importance of technical excellence and consistent support to keep Europe’s steel giants competitive.

Key Takeaways

• Liberty Galati’s BF No5 was shut down on June 12 due to a technical failure caused by a detached salamander, but damage appears contained.

• Despite the incident, the plant has already produced 15,000 metric tons of slab, allowing rolling operations to proceed as scheduled.

• The Galati site houses 5 blast furnaces, but only BF No5 is currently operational, highlighting Liberty’s strategic reactivation efforts.