The plan to lift sagging profits at BlueScope in 2013 and 2014 was code-named “Project Marlin”, but while parts of it were revealed at a half-day review of the sales and marketing division attended by Mark Vassella, the man who would go on to lead , Australia’s largest steel maker was not aware of its secret parts.

A Federal Court judgement handed down by Justice Michael O’Bryan on December 9 found BlueScope and one of its former executives, Jason Ellis, attempted to engage in cartel conduct and price-fixing in the supply of flat steel products in Australia over a 10-month period during 2013-14.