Steel and transportation’s deep rooted relationship

Transport and logistics are unshakeable aspects of modern life. The smooth movement of goods is the cornerstone of a streamlined, globalised economy and the involvement of steel as a material in the transport industry has seen both fields soar to mercurial heights.

Steel was initially adopted for transport applications due to its durability, strength, recyclability and its light weight, all of which made it the perfect material for ships, trains, automobiles etc.  Steel is not only essential to vehicles, but is also an integral material used in the construction of roadways and transportation networks. 16% of the steel produced globally is used for transportation and transport infrastructure.

Here’s how steel has become an indelible addition to the global transport scenario-

1. Use in shipping and freight

Structural steel plates are used to fabricate ship hulls. Modern steel features a high tensile strength and light weight, which make it perfect for this use. The superior tensile strength can absorb the damage from corrosions much better than any other feasible material. Among these, a special type of plate which is resistant to corrosion is used for ships that transport oil in particular. Modern steel allows for larger vessels at the same weight, or smaller and lighter vessels which makes for significant savings on fuel consumption.

2. Use in Automobiles

Steel is widely used in the automobile industry. As a lightweight and strong material that does not decay under exposure, Steel is the ideal material used in building automobiles of all sizes and shapes. However, this material finds the most use in building roadways for automobile transport, of which the most used product is the steel rod.

3. Use in Railways

Railways are the most environmentally efficient form of transport, with train travel producing the least Co2 emissions of any other form of transport. Steel is integral to rail networks over the world and is used from producing rail tracks to the actual bogies themselves. 20-25% of the mass of high-speed trains consist of steel, while freight and goods trains often have entire rail cars made of steel.

4. Use in Air Transport

While steel is not a suitable material for use in building planes (Aluminium is the primary material used), the landing gear of planes are built from steel, as it is a strong material that can withstand the abrupt impact of touching ground.

Agni Steels is proud to be a member of an industry that is contributing so much to the world by what we produce and we hope further advancements in steel bring forward evolution in the global transport sector.