Chouest’s LaShip starts robotized micro panel production

LaShip is largest ECO-affiliated shipyard

Finnish welding automation specialist Pemamek has delivered a PEMA VRWP-C robotic welding station to Edison Chouest Offshore’s LaShip shipyard in Houma, La. The station has been commissioned by Pemamek’s local service team in the U.S., and production with it is ready to start.

The PEMA VRWP-C robot station is a compact solution for automation of micro panel welding that can also handle other small-to-medium-sized constructions. The system is based on the PEMA WeldControl 200 system which enables easy weld path creation and robot programming.

Thanks to the station’s compact size, the commissioning and ramp-up can be completed within one week, whereas training takes another week.

“The beauty of the PEMA VRWP-C is that it is fast to commission and easy for the customer to learn to use it,” says Juho Niemelä, Pemamek’s leading Technical Service Manager in the U.S. “It took us one week to install and train the customer. The feature that enables the extremely fast production with the station is the PEMA WeldControl 200 control system,

LaShip is currently the largest Chouest-affiliated shipyard and is equipped to accommodate a wide range of new construction projects, as well as repairs, conversions, and refits. Delivery of the PEMA VRWP-C, follows earlier installation at the yard of Pemamek’s PEMA Panel line and PEMA VRWP robot welding station designed to weld open blocks and double-bottoms.

“LaShip has a competitive edge with our state-of-the-art facility, streamlined panel line and robots for new construction, and large drydock for modifications and repairs,” said Wally Naquin, LaShip General Manager. “We look to the future to continue fabricating advanced vessels for the oil and gas industry and move forward into the cruise line industry. The commissioning experience was very educational. The Pemamek technician was very well-trained and helpful in getting the robot functional.”

Chouest and Pemamek have a long relationship with ECO’s Navship, Tampa Ship, Gulf Ship, and North American Shipbuilding all being equipped with PEMA shipbuilding automation solutions.