Emirates Aluminium and ECL France joined together and celebrated the installation of the first Pot Tending Machine for the project’s Phase II expansion. The PTM is one of fifteen such machines that will operate on the new potline at EMAL, which, once completed, will be the longest single potline in the world at 1.7 km.
This momentous occasion was attended by the French Ambassador to the UAE, S.E. Alain Azouaou, was hosted at EMAL site by the company’s President and CEO, Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei and VPP Mr. Yousuf Bastaki accompanied by ECL’s President and CEO, Frédéric Mey. At the ceremony, they witnessed the first PTM installed in Phase 2 expansion. The PTM is designed to increase performance in terms of; safety, productivity and reliability as well as reducing environmental impact. The machine also has complete wireless controls that allow the operators to handle almost 100% of the crane function in the pot room such as; Anode changing, dressing, and beam rising as well as metal tapping amongst other potroom activities.
Commenting on this occasion, Al Mazrooei said: “This ceremony represents another milestone achievement and another step closer in the expansion programme. It reflects our commitment to invest in the latest technologies and ECL has proven the professionalism required by EMAL in this regards; today’s ceremony is a celebration of success.”
Commenting on this occasion, H.E. Alain Azouaou said: “Both France and the UAE create some of the best and brightest collaborations. Together, we are sharing a passion to create the future and work with those who are creating the future. French-UAE partnership is very solid and is growing stronger every year, as they both share a strong common commitment to research and innovation.”
Commenting on the ceremony, Mr Mey said: “ECL is honoured to be part of this major milestone in EMAL’s expansion plan. We share a commitment to delivering high quality and enhanced efficiency and have built a strong partnership with EMAL, which we aim to strengthen by continuing to provide them with the best solutions and service.”
As part of the Phase II development, ECL has supplied EMAL with equipment for the potroom comprising of 15 PTMs, 2 transfer Gantries, 1 cathode transport crane, 2 lifting beams, 16200 anode clamps and pair of J-hooks for activities connected with the operation of reduction cell.
EMAL’s Vice President – Projects, Yousuf Bastaki, said: “Our partnership with ECL started with Phase I development and has been an example of successful partnership. ECL has been a key supplier since our establishment and contributed to our achievements through both their equipment and dedicated service team. We look forward to this relationship continuing as EMAL develops in the future.” We continue to leverage on such relationship to build and develop local talents which in this occasion we have one of our lady local engineer managed all the coordination work ( Ms Inaam Al Marzouqi) .
