Sir Robert McAlpine was awarded the the main, civil, structural and building works last week for the construction of a new electric arc furnace-based steel production facility that will produce around three million tonnes of steel per year.

Under the latest deal, Skanska’s Technology business will provide civil and structural design for key sections of the project.

This includes design for building foundations and structures, including for the new electric arc furnace. In addition, the team will design site infrastructure and drainage.

Susan Ryall, Engineering and Design Director at Skanska UK said: “We have been working closely with Tata Steel for the past four years, developing the design and project management solution for this complex scheme.

“We have a long history of delivering civil engineering works at Port Talbot. Building on this experience, we have worked collaboratively with the site team, using our technical expertise to create a solution that meets the needs of this project.

“We are delighted to have been appointed and be playing our part in delivering this new electric arc furnace, helping to safeguard jobs across the UK, improve the environment and create new opportunities in the region.”

A technical team from Skanska will be embedded with Tata Steel at Port Talbot, working alongside McAlpine.

Tata Steel UK’s Head of Project Engineering, Dave Murray, added: “This £1.25bn investment in low CO2 steelmaking is the biggest commitment the UK steel industry has seen in generations. It is critical that it is delivered on specification, on time and on budget, so it is important for us to choose the very best industrial partners with a strong reputation for delivery.

“We have worked closely with Skanska for a number of years, so have a good understanding of how their world-class capabilities fit in well with our own, and we are looking forward to working with them on this project.”

The design and project management contract will be led by Skanska’s Technology team based at Bridgend, South Wales – supporting local employment and creating a platform for future growth.