7 Steel UK, the leading low-carbon steel producer, has signed a new long-term agreement with GB Railfreight (GBRf) as part of its ongoing work to build a more sustainable and resilient UK supply chain.
Under the 11-year agreement, GBRf will transport scrap steel into the Cardiff site before moving finished steel products across the UK. To facilitate the contract, GBRf will introduce two new sets of purpose-built scrap wagons during 2027, alongside a further set of specially modified wagons to transport 7 Steel UK’s outbound finished products, including rebar and coiled steel. The agreement also sees the continuation of existing on-site shunting activities, bringing the different elements of the rail operation together to support the movement of materials through the site.
Services are due to begin in October 2026, with the expanded use of rail supporting 7 Steel UK’s supply chain while providing a more sustainable alternative to transporting steel by road. Rail freight can help reduce road congestion and associated carbon emissions, while providing an efficient way to move large volumes of material.
Vorn Ohennessy, Head of Supply Chain Management at 7 Steel UK, said: “This agreement strengthens our supply chain, supports more sustainable logistics and reflects our long-term commitment to steelmaking in Cardiff.
“Having a long-term logistics partner that understands our operation and can support the movement of both raw materials and finished products is important as we continue to plan for the future, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with GB Railfreight to deliver a reliable, efficient service for our customers across the UK.”
Alex Kirk, Commercial Director at GB Railfreight, said: “This agreement is a significant milestone for GB Railfreight and we’re proud to be expanding our relationship with 7 Steel UK and supporting both the inbound movement of raw materials and the distribution of finished products across the country.
“The contract provides a strong foundation for future growth and demonstrates the important role rail freight continues to play in supporting UK industry. We’re looking forward to working closely with 7 Steel UK for many years to come and delivering the safe, reliable and efficient service our customer expects.”
At its Cardiff site, 7 Steel UK produces up to 1.2 million tonnes of low-carbon steel every year through Electric Arc Furnace production. This technology transforms UK-sourced scrap steel, which is processed on site in Cardiff, to create steel products that are used across construction, infrastructure and energy projects in the UK.
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