A welder wearing protective gear works on a large metal structure, with sparks flying as the welder's torch glows brightly.
Solutions By Sector

Shipbuilding & Ship Repair

Shipbuilding & Ship Repair

The Spool Welding Robot for Shipbuilding & Ship Repair

Pipes are essential in shipbuilding, forming the backbone of many systems onboard, including ballast water management, fuel and water supply, waste management, and cooling systems. The type and material of pipes vary significantly depending on the vessel and the conditions they must withstand. Commercial vessels, naval vessels, and offshore support vessels all have specific piping needs that are crucial for their operation.

Suggested Solutions
SWR-TIPTIG and SWR-F (dual torch) with minimum of three positioners on each
Welding Process
GMAW (MIG/MAG), MCAW (Metal-Cored), FCAW (Flux-Cored), GTAW (TIG)
Pipe Materials
Carbon steel (P1), Cr-Mo Steel (P4), Stainless steel (P8), CuNi (P34)
Industry Codes
Lloyds – DNV, ABS (American Bureau of Shipping)

Challenges in the Industry

The shipbuilding and repair industry faces several significant challenges. Complex shapes and thick materials require precision to ensure seaworthiness. There’s also a widespread shortage of skilled welders, impacting both new shipbuilding and retrofit projects. Additionally, maintaining project schedules and ensuring reliability is critical, especially for retrofits, where delays can be costly.

Combating Labor Shortages

The SWR™ addresses the shortage of skilled welders by automating the welding process. This is crucial for both new shipbuilding and repair projects, where finding qualified welders is increasingly difficult. With the SWR™, shipbuilders and repair yards can maintain high-quality welds without relying solely on human welders. This helps fill the labor gap and ensures consistent, reliable welding.

Improving Project Schedules and Saving Money

The SWR™ also shortens project timelines and saves money, making it ideal for retrofits and new builds alike. It is designed for efficiency, enabling non-stop welding from root to cap, which means faster project completion times. Its compact design fits easily in shipyards and can work with up to five positioners, maximizing productivity even in tight spaces. The ability to produce high-quality, x-ray-standard welds reduces the risk of costly repairs or rework, keeping projects on schedule and within budget.

Case Studies

View of a large ship undergoing maintenance in a dry dock, with its red hull exposed. A propeller is visible on the right, alongside scaffolding and various equipment. White tarps partially cover the top sections.
Featured

Seaspan's Vancouver Drydock has boosted productivity by over 400% with the SWR™, achieving consistent x-ray quality welds every time.

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