Ladle or secondary metallurgy in steelmaking is an essential process step for the production of high-quality steel. There has been a vast amount of research conducted in this area, particularly regarding refining reactions and inclusion chemistry. More recently, the fluid dynamic aspects of the process have been examined in more detail to provide better control of the process. In this Honorary Lecture two recent aspects related to fluid dynamics are reviewed; gas-liquid plumes and entrainment of slag droplets in metal.