ClassNK: Guidelines on Laser-Arc Hybrid Welding
Classification society ClassNK has released Guidelines on Laser-Arc Hybrid Welding (Ver. 3) aiming to support the widespread application of laser-arc hybrid welding in shipyards. Laser-arc hybrid welding is a high quality and highly-efficient welding process which combines both laser and arc welding methods, capable of achieving the same depth of penetration as the standard arc welding process whilst also inhibiting thermal deformation due to its low required heat input. This guideline (Ver.
New Welding Procedure helps Avoid Drydocking
Whittaker Engineering, an independent Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) company, has developed a unique water-backed welding procedure for vessels which can save companies millions of pounds from the prevention of dry docking and resultant loss of production. Traditional welding specifications used for the design and manufacture of FPUs (Floating Production Units) and oil rigs do not take into account the cooling effects of seawater. Whittaker Engineering’s procedure uses high-powered induction heating coils to maintain a preheat temperature whilst welding water-backed plate, mitigating the heat loss through a ship’s hull into the cold temperature of the sea. It was successfully deployed by EnQuest on the Northern Producer FPU during routine work.
BMT to Support NSRP Welding Research Project
BMT Fleet Technology Ltd (BMT), a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd, has announced its latest research project with the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) to evaluate recent advancements in Integrated Cold Electrode (ICE) welding technology. Jointly funded by industry and the U.S. Navy through NSRP, this project will look at how this technology can improve productivity rates and reduce the construction costs of both commercial and naval vessels. As the project lead, BMT will work closely with a number of partners including: Huntington-Ingalls Industries’…
SSC Release Research Reports
The Ship Structure Committee, sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard, among others, released four new research reports. SSC-429 is entitled "Rapid Stress Intensity Factor Solution Estimation for Ship Structures Applications". SSC-430 is entitled "Fracture Toughness of a Ship Structure". SSC-431 is entitled "Retention of Weld Metal Properties and Prevention of Hydrogen Cracking". SSC-432 is entitled "Adaptation of Commercial Structural Criteria to Military Needs".
A Bundle of Advanced Technology
The close cooperation of the Finnish Maritime industry is evidenced in the highly capable icebreaking ships that it produces. Icebreakers are essential to Finland’s existence, as the specialized ships enable the country to keep its shipping lanes operational during the harshest winter months. However, traditional icebreaker design made for poor navigating vessels in open water, and thus were rendered useful during only the winter months. This was acceptable, but very expensive, as icebreakers by nature represent a significant maintenance challenge and cost. The solution: creating a new design icebreaker that could be used, profitably, year-round.
