Our Sheet Pile Supply Stability is Key Differentiator
Hikes in the price of steel have made headlines again in quarter 1 & 2 of 2021, with Japan’s largest integrated mill, Nippon Steel, adding Yen 10,000-15,000/tonne, equivalent to $92-138/t) to the prices of carbon steel flats to its June shipments, to spot buyer and construction steel processors.
Such rises have now been seen for two consecutive months. Meanwhile the price of iron ore has risen to a record high of $US193.85 a tonne, pushed upwards by demand from Chinese steel mills.
So what does this mean for the pricing of steel sheet piles?
The answer is that it is bound to push the price up, as steel sheet piles are as subject to market forces as any other commodity. With strong demand for steel sheet piles for construction projects worldwide, there will be continued pressures on pricing. This is just part of the global context within which sheet piling takes place but one of which Sheet Piling UK is always acutely aware, hence our long-term strategy of holding the highest levels of stock in our sector, to try to keep prices as stable as possible for our clients.
Extensive steel sheet pile stock levels
By holding 15000Te of new sheet pile stock and 3000 Te of used sheet pile sections, we ensure that constant fluctuations in the price of steel on the global markets are not continually having to be passed on to clients and contractors. This enables us to accurately price jobs and not have to then revise quotations. However, holding this amount of stock also provides peace of mind over supply, in a world in which steel sheet piles are much in demand, and allows us to respond swiftly to any requirements to get supplies to any UK site at which they are required, as we have so much stock available in the UK.
We can also sell sheet piles to not just UK and Ireland-based projects, but to others worldwide, in areas such as the Middle East, Africa, North America, South America, the Indian sub-continent, Asia and Russia.
Sheet pile supply stability in the UK
Stability of hot-rolled steel sheet pile supply has been a major differentiator for Sheet Piling UK during both the Covid-19 pandemic and the Brexit uncertainties and port closures. As the exclusive UK and Ireland agent for Emirates steel, we have long-term agreements in place to receive regular shipments of steel sheet piles, to keep our stock levels of many differently sized and graded pile sections, high. All sheet piles sold or hired out are manufactured to European Standard BS EN:10248 Part 1 &2 and are available in European Grade S390GP, as a minimum.
We have recently signed a long-term agreement with PD Ports, for the storage and handling of steel sheet piles at Immingham, which will further strengthen our supply chain arrangements.
Stability of sheet pile supply at source
Over in the Middle East, Emirates Steel is equally focused on stability within its supply chain. It has recently announced the commencement of transhipment operations with the SAFEEN Group, the marine service arm of Abu Dhabi Ports, to ensure the provision of three shipments of iron ore per month, safely transported and discharged from anchorage to Emirate Steel’s jetty in Musaffah.
As engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, CEO of Emirates Steel, is quoted as saying, “We have ensured the best logistical and shipping services, to receive over 5 million tpy of our raw materials (equivalent to 75 football pitches) on a yearly basis, as efficiently and effectively as possible.”
With all of these supply chain arrangements in place, buying steel sheet piles from Sheet Piling UK, hiring steel sheet piles for projects, or working with us as your complete sheet pile design and installation partner, offers greater peace of mind. With top-quality steel sheet piles always at our disposal, for purchase or for hire, we are the secure choice for your project’s timely delivery and integrity. Just contact us on 01772 794141, to find out more.
- Ends -NOTES TO EDITORS
Sheet Piling (UK) Limited is one of the UK's leading piling contractors. Owning and operating a comprehensive range of specialist piling equipment Sheet Piling (UK) Ltd also carry extensive stocks of new and used piles enabling rapid reaction to any urgent requirements or emergency situations.