Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has inaugurated a fully automated pipe spool fabrication facility, marking a first in offshore construction as part of its smart shipyard initiative. Located at SHI's Geoje shipyard, the facility integrates comprehensive automation with standardized digital interfaces and real-time data exchange across fabrication, assembly, and port logistics. The objective is to increase productivity, improve safety, and streamline workflows throughout the maritime supply chain.
Background
SHI's smart shipyard strategy builds on investments in robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms. The company has reported a 30% boost in work efficiency following the implementation of robot-assisted welding systems and is progressing toward fully unmanned yard operations by 2027, led by its Robotics Business Team.Work efficiency increased by 30% through robot-assisted welding, according to SHI's 2024 Sustainability Report Earlier innovations include the enterprise integrated monitoring system (SYARD), designed to centralize data for real-time decision-making, and S-EDP, an automated engineering data platform targeting doubled design automation by 2030.SHI developed SYARD to centralize data across the shipbuilding process and shortened lead times using IoT and AI technologiesSHI unveiled S-EDP, an automated engineering data platform, aiming to double design automation by 2030
Details
The newly launched facility automates cutting, bending, welding, and inspection of steel pipes. It employs robotic tooling, sensor-based feedback loops, and digital twin technologies. While SHI did not release specific productivity data, the company highlighted reduced human involvement in hazardous tasks, particularly welding within confined pipe assemblies. This advancement lowers safety risks and aligns with SHI's smart Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) program. The Robotics Business Team oversees the ongoing refinement of robotic welding, cutting, and inspection systems and operates through specialized groups: Factory Robot, Welding Automation, Field Robot, and System Operation.SHI's Robotics Business Team comprises Factory Robot, Welding Automation, Field Robot, and System Operation Groups SHI plans to apply unified digital-physical standards across shipyards and ports to optimize scheduling, material flow, and data integration.
Outlook
The introduction of a fully automated pipe spool fabrication facility marks a transition to platform-based fabrication at SHI, where robotics and digitization reduce manual, labor-intensive processes. This model may set a precedent for smart shipyards throughout the maritime industry and influence future offshore fabrication safety and automation standards. As SHI progresses toward unmanned yard operations by 2027, substantial changes in subcontracting and labor practices are anticipated.
