Zaporizhstal continues to systematically support and modernize its crane facilities and lifting mechanisms. Reliable operation of this equipment is an important component of the continuity of production processes, employee safety, and the creation of comfortable working conditions.
The plant operates 230 lifting mechanisms and 447 cranes. All equipment regularly undergoes maintenance, repairs, and modernization with the introduction of modern solutions in the field of labor protection and industrial safety.
“Today, the enterprise is conducting comprehensive work to maintain the proper condition of its crane facilities – from regular technical audits and timely detection of malfunctions to personnel training and the implementation of modern safety standards. This approach allows us to ensure uninterrupted production and create safer working conditions for our employees,” said Kyrylo Havrylyuk, Director of Labor Protection and Industrial Safety of Zaporizhstal.
In 2025, the enterprise carried out a number of major repairs of crane equipment with a total cost of over 13.6 million hryvnias.
In particular, a major repair of the ore-gantry loader was carried out in the blast furnace shop. As part of the work, the crane and trolley movement mechanisms, lifting and closing of the grab, the trolley rails were replaced, metal structures, electrical equipment and safety devices were repaired.
In the slabbing department of the hot rolling shop, two claw cranes were overhauled. The work included repairs to the main metal structures, main lifting mechanisms, control systems, electric motors and electrical equipment.
In addition, the company allocated about UAH 170 million to maintain the technical condition and perform current repairs of crane equipment.
In 2026, Zaporizhstal continues the systematic renovation of its crane facilities. Since the beginning of the year, 14 new industrial air conditioners have been installed on bridge and crane installations in the hot rolling shop, cold rolling shop, blast furnace and open-hearth shops.
To improve the working conditions of crane operators, the company also purchased and installed modern anti-vibration chairs that help reduce the impact of vibration and prevent the development of occupational diseases.
In total, almost UAH 90 million is allocated for maintenance and repairs of crane facilities in 2026.
Among the largest projects of the year is the overhaul of one of the claw cranes in the hot rolling shop with an investment volume of over UAH 7 million. The project involves a comprehensive update of mechanical and electrical equipment, modernization of control systems, replacement of cable and wire products and performance of a full range of commissioning works.
In all structural divisions of the plant, cranes are equipped with sound alarms to warn employees about the movement of mechanisms. In the hot rolling shop, a visual lighting system for loading and unloading areas has been additionally installed on four cranes. In the railway transport department, an automated signal system is operating on two cranes, which blocks the start of mechanisms without a warning.
The combination of sound signals and visual indication helps employees better navigate the cranes’ work area and significantly reduces production risks during loading and unloading operations. (Zaporizhstal)