SSAB and Fassi forge partnership for fossil-free steel in crane manufacturing

SSAB and Italian crane producer Fassi have announced a new partnership focused on the supply of fossil-free steel for crane production. The agreement will enable Fassi to incorporate steel with significantly reduced carbon emissions into its range of hydraulic and truck-mounted cranes.

The collaboration includes steel produced from both iron ore and recycled scrap, aligning with Fassi’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. As one of the world's largest manufacturers of loader cranes, Fassi has historically utilized advanced structural steels, such as SSAB’s Strenx® steel, to enhance crane performance by increasing lifting capacity, reducing weight, and extending reach. The new agreement expands this partnership to include SSAB's Fossil-freeTM steel and SSAB ZeroTM, marking a step toward a new generation of cranes with a reduced carbon footprint.

“We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Fassi by delivering high-strength steel with a significantly lower carbon footprint,” said Per Elfgren, Head of SSAB Special Steels. “This collaboration highlights our shared focus on innovation, sustainability, and advanced product development.”

Fassi's CEO, Giovanni Fassi, emphasized the company's strategic direction, stating, “Innovation is a projection towards the future. And there is no future without sustainability. We are committed to working closely with SSAB to develop the cranes of tomorrow.”

Steel production is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 7% of total emissions worldwide. Both primary steel production and the recycling process generate substantial emissions. SSAB aims to address this environmental challenge through new production technologies that reduce emissions to nearly zero, regardless of the steel’s origin.

SSAB ZeroTM, launched for commercial deliveries in 2023, is produced using recycled steel with fossil-free electricity and biogas. Additionally, SSAB has developed a fossil-free steel variant made from iron ore using its HYBRIT® technology, which replaces traditional coal-based processes with hydrogen and renewable energy. The company produced the world's first fossil-free steel using this technology in 2021 and has since conducted pilot deliveries across various industries.

Fassi's approach to innovation is driven by its dedicated "Innovation Center," where a specialized team works on designing, testing, and developing new lifting solutions. The company's focus on forward-thinking projects, processes, and products aligns with its vision of a sustainable future.

Source and Photo: SSAB