Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyards installs Novarc Technologies’ spool welding robot
by CM Staff
This collaboration between Seaspan and Novarc aims to transform pipe welding processes with automation technology; enhancing productivity, elevating welder safety, and ensuring consistent high-quality welds.
Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyards installs Novarc Technologies’ spool welding robot (GlobeNewswire)
VANCOUVER — Novarc Technologies Inc., a Canadian-based robotics company, specializing in the design and manufacturing of cobots and computer vision AI for automated welding applications, announced the deployment of its Spool Welding Robot (SWR™) at Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyards. This collaboration between Seaspan and Novarc aims to transform pipe welding processes with automation technology; enhancing productivity, elevating welder safety, and ensuring consistent high-quality welds.
“We are very grateful for our growing partnership with Seaspan,” said Soroush Karimzadeh, CEO of Novarc. “Seaspan’s successful adoption of our pipe welding automation technology, first with their installation of the SWR at their Vancouver Drydock and most recently at Victoria Shipyards, is a testament to their innovation in shipbuilding, repair and overhaul services and their leadership in the marine transportation industry.”
This collaboration will amplify pipe welding and automation in the maritime industry. Integrating Novarc’s SWR™ into Seaspan’s operations will try to achieve efficiency, productivity, and welder safety while maintaining weld quality. The SWR™ reportedly streamlines welding tasks, significantly reducing manual labour time.
The SWR™ employs precise motion control and AI-based algorithms to consistently produce welds. Equipped with vision systems, the SWR™ scans and analyzes weld joints in real-time, ensuring precise alignment and optimal weld quality.
“Innovation and technology are critical components of Seaspan’s vision of developing and growing a world-leading ship repair and overhaul capability on the West Coast of Canada,” said Tony Winter, VP & GM, Victoria Shipyards. “We are excited to partner with Novarc Technologies with the latest installation of their pipe welding automation technology at our Victoria Shipyards which essentially revolutionizes existing pipe welding technology.”
“Seaspan has been a great strategic partner for us, beginning with their initial investment in Novarc in 2017, and their continued support of Novarc in new product development, and adoption of our automation technology, which will ultimately benefit Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy,” said Karimzadeh.
The SWR™ reportedly eliminates direct exposure to these risks, promoting a safer work environment for Seaspan’s welding team.
