British Steel starts round-the-clock rail operations with Türkiye deal
British Steel secures a significant contract to supply rails for Turkey’s new high-speed railway
Last updated 18th Feb 2026
Scunthorpe based British Steel has launched 24-7 rail manufacturing operations after securing a major contract to supply 36,000 tonnes of rail to ERG International Group for Türkiye’s new high-speed electric railway.
This new agreement, worth tens of millions of pounds and supported by UK Export Finance, will help create a 599km line between Ankara and İzmir.
The line aims to reduce rail travel time between the Turkish capital and the port city by over 10 hours, providing a faster and eco-friendly alternative to current transport options.
Chief Commercial Officer Lisa Coulson said securing this contract was a testament to British Steel’s expertise in building sustainable track systems, emphasizing the company’s crucial role in the UK economy and global trade.
British Steel’s Commercial Director, Rail, Craig Harvey, highlighted the company's experience delivering rail for previous sections of the Ankara to İzmir line, confirming their ability to meet technical specifications and delivery schedules.
Industry Minister Chris McDonald praised the quality of UK-made steel and noted how such deals support skilled employment while reinforcing the steel’s reputation for ambitious engineering projects.
ERG International UK will deliver the railway project on behalf of Türkiye’s government. ERG UK’s CEO Melike Erdem described this contract as a major milestone in their partnership with British Steel, ensuring rail products that meet high standards.
Deliveries of British Steel’s 60E2 rail are set to take place throughout 2026.