Abstract: A coking plant in which steam is injected into the ascension pipe of each coking chamber during charging of coal into the chamber and during an initial portion of the coking time, in order to maintain a slightly sub-atmospheric pressure in the chamber. Timing means which stops the injection of steam at the end of a suitable period of time after charging is actuated to start timing this period by a command signal sent from the coke pusher machine, which also levels the coal after charging, via induction coils provided for ascertaining the correct alignment of the coke pusher machine and the coke chambers.