Bahrain-based smelter Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) has initiated a controlled shutdown, idling about 300,000 t/yr of capacity in response to supply constraints caused by shipping delays through the strait of Hormuz.
The shutdown of reduction lines 1–3 temporarily idles about 19pc of total output capacity , the firm said on 15 March. The smelter has a total nameplate capacity of 1.6mn t/yr.
Alba will concentrate raw materials on lines 4–6, which remain fully operational, to preserve output stability while managing inventories on the back of supply-chain volatility.
The company declared force majeure on its aluminium deliveries on 4 March because disruption on the strait of Hormuz hindered both outbound metal shipments and inbound alumina supply. The disruption has already prompted other Gulf smelters, including Qatalum, to reduce operations.
