KEZAD galvanising facility moves closer to commissioning

Dubai Galva Hub Metal Coating is nearing the start of commercial operations at its large hot-dip galvanising facility in Abu Dhabi's Khalifa Economic Zone AD (KEZAD). The plant received 825 tonnes of zinc at its Metal Park site, a crucial step before the galvanising kettle can begin producing protective zinc coatings on steel.

The facility, part of Metal Park's industrial ecosystem, will be able to galvanise exceptionally large fabricated steel structures while minimizing handling steps. This is especially beneficial for infrastructure, energy, construction and heavy engineering projects where components often exceed the size limits of conventional galvanising units.

Hot-dip galvanising entails submerging steel in molten zinc, typically at 450 degrees Celsius, creating a bonded coating that safeguards the underlying metal against corrosion for potentially decades. This significantly reduces the need for repainting, upkeep and replacements during the structure's lifespan.

Preparations for the kettle's commissioning included installing equipment, testing the system and procuring a substantial zinc inventory to fill the bath. Once the kettle begins operating, the plant will produce the first of about 900 tonnes of zinc required to treat steel.

The galvanising facility at Metal Park adds to the 450,000-square-metre metals ecosystem, which already provides production, storage, logistics and business services to support downstream metal manufacturers. The complete development, launched in January with an investment of AED430 million, includes a storage hub and a business centre, positioning Metal Park as a shared manufacturing platform where companies can utilize infrastructure based on their production needs.

The urgency for corrosion-resistant steel remains tied to investments in infrastructure, energy systems, renewable energy, transport networks, industrial plants and oil and gas facilities across the UAE and GCC region. With Metal Park's expanded capacity and specialised hot-dip galvanising capabilities, companies in these sectors can potentially reduce costs and timelines for projects requiring large, corrosion-resistant steel structures.