10/09/2024
Rome, September 11, 2024 – Optimization of logistics activities to ensure efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness in both national and international markets. This is the goal of Acciaierie d’Italia in AS, which today announces the completion of a critical and essential milestone for the restoration of its naval units.
The announcement was made by Angelo Colucci, Director of Logistics, Supply Chain, and ADI Maritime Services, on behalf of the Extraordinary Commissioners and the General Manager of Acciaierie d’Italia in AS. "The situation we faced was very critical. All five ships in the fleet and eight floating units were simultaneously out of service due to lack of maintenance and expired class certifications. We immediately activated a targeted recovery plan, with a priority focus on strategic units," Colucci said.
A restoration operation for the most strategic naval units has indeed begun, starting with the Gemma ship, which resumed navigation and commercial activities last night. The ship had been stuck in Singapore for over three years since 2020. The name Gemma is inspired by the brightest eclipsing binary star in the constellation Corona Borealis, following the tradition for all ships in the fleet, which are named after constellations or stars.
Gemma, a VLOC (Very Large Ore Carrier) ship measuring 330 meters long and 57 meters wide, was launched in February 2012 and is among the largest in the world in its category. Dedicated to the strategic transport of raw materials from Brazil to Taranto, it can carry up to 315,000 tons of ore. Its arrival in Taranto is expected in November 2024.
This week, Ursa Minor, the fleet's flagship for transporting finished and semi-finished products, with a capacity of 30,000 tons, will also set sail again. After significant maintenance work, the ship will resume commercial activities, transporting semi-finished products like coils from the Taranto plant to those in Northern Italy via the port of Genoa.
Meanwhile, Ursa Major, the sister ship, will enter the shipyard for maintenance and reclassification work, with the goal of returning to operation by the end of the year. These units, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, ensure the autonomous supply of the Genova, Novi, and Racconigi plants, reducing the risk of delays and optimizing inventory, eliminating dependence on external shipowners, and providing a competitive advantage in terms of efficiency and control over logistics operations.
The restart plan will continue with the reactivation of smaller units, Corona Australe and Corona Boreale, which are in the process of requesting temporary decommissioning pending necessary maintenance work.
"The restoration of our naval fleet is a crucial step in strengthening the competitiveness of Acciaierie d’Italia in AS. This achievement, the result of constant commitment and careful management, allows us to ensure operational efficiency, logistical autonomy, and greater control over our supply chain. The resumption of activities for our most strategic ships is not only a milestone for the company but also a sign of our determination in implementing the Restart Plan, aware that these actions will further strengthen Acciaierie d’Italia's position as a leader in the steel industry," stated the Extraordinary Commissioners of Acciaierie d’Italia in AS, Giovanni Fiori, Giancarlo Quaranta, and Davide Tabarelli.
Contacts: External Press Office - Comin & Partners
Carlotta Calarese
3516841413
Vittoria Tomasi
334 974 8621
Federico Fabretti - Partner
3357534768
