Rolls-Royce upgrades offshore thruster production process

Jan. 23, 2019
Rolls-Royce has completed a Eur57-million ($64.7-million) upgrade and refurbishment of its thruster manufacturing plant in Rauma, consolidating production over a single site.

Offshore staff

RAUMA, Finland – Rolls-Royce has completed a Eur57-million ($64.7-million) upgrade and refurbishment of its thruster manufacturing plant in Rauma, consolidating production over a single site.

The program had been approved in summer 2016. It included a full re-rebuild of the site’s existing production hall, and construction of a new, 35-m (115-ft) high hall with 40-, 80-, and 200-t lift capacities for the manufacturing and testing of thruster units in all size ranges.

Other features of the overhaul include a renewed welding hall, six factory acceptance test rigs, an integrated logistics center, and a main office complex.

The new facility is said to streamline production and simultaneous testing of a wide range of mechanical thrusters, including the US and UUC type azimuthing thrusters and the newly launched Elegance pods.

Mikael Mäkinen, Rolls-Royce, President – Marine, said: “By consolidating and optimizing our thruster production processes we are in a better position to facilitate the markets we serve, particularly the offshore sector which we see beginning to emerge from its downturn.”

Applications include semisubmersible drilling rigs and drillships, tugs and offshore vessels, and thrusters for specialist vessels such as icebreakers.

01/23/2019