British Steel is extending its partnership with Translink (Northern Ireland’s national rail operator), after the companies agreed a new long-term contract that will see British Steel supply premium rail for a series of projects during the next eight years — including the multi-million-pound North-West Multimodal Transport Hub in Londonderry.

This is British Steel’s latest contract with a national operator, after securing new agreements with Network Rail, Infrabel (Belgium) and RFI (Italy.

Richard Bell, British Steel’s commercial director (rail) (www.britishsteel.co.uk), said: “We have an excellent working relationship with Translink, and we are delighted to have signed this new contract extension after a competitive tendering process.

“This agreement is another great example of how we work in partnership with national rail operators, providing premium products and services to ensure optimum performance.”

Among the products British Steel will supply are: Zinoco, a corrosion-protected rail designed to greatly extend rail life in aggressive environments such as level crossings, tunnels and coastal regions; and HP335, the premium rail of choice in the UK mainline network which is designed to cut life-cycle costs through reduced grinding frequency, reduced wear and extended rail life.

Mr Bell said: “Our products allow networks to carry more traffic with less maintenance. Our rail will be going into some hugely significant projects; we look forward to continuing to work with Translink and helping to deliver a first-class service to rail users throughout Northern Ireland.”