One of the most advanced European welding plants was put into operation at MV Werften yard in Rostock on November 28. Harry Glawe, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Economics Minister, representatives of MV Werften, Genting Hong Kong, the automation provider Pemamek and other project partners were present in yard's new Hall 11 when the plant produced the first weld seam.
The highly efficient, semi-automatic plant is the heart of the 400-meter hall area 11.1 and the steel prefabrication at the shipyard. Panels measuring up to 25x16 meters are due to be produced with it. The panel line with all of its integrated equipment is unique in Germany and features one-sided butt welding station with laser-hybrid welding head and additional MAG tandem welding heads with integrated milling, automated profile assembling with 2-sided fillet welding of profiles using laser-hybrid process and programmable robot portals.
The German Federal State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and German Federal Government granted 6 million Euros in support of innovation for the production plant. A number of regional companies contributed to the value added of the new project. The Fraunhofer Institute in Rostock carried out feasibility study on optimized cycle times, while Schwerin-based company supplied the system control for coordinating cranes and welding portals.
In addition to panel production in hall area 11.1, sections are due to be produced and fitted out in area 11.2. Hall 11.3 for profile manufacturing is expected to be completed in May 2019. The 3 halls will provide a total of 25 workstations.
MV Werften yard is investing more than EUR 100 million in the new shipbuilding hall complex. Up to 150 employees per shift will work in medium term.