Rolls-Royce completes azimuth production and service upgrade

The €57million investment to upgrade the Rolls-Royce Rauma facility, located in the local Seaside Industry Park, included the complete rebuilding of the site’s existing production hall, along with the building of a new, 35metre high hall with 40t, 80t and 200t lift capacities for the manufacturing and testing of thruster units in all size ranges.

Mikael Mäkinen Rolls-Royce, President – Marine, said: “By consolidating and optimising 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.”

A renewed welding hall, six factory acceptance test (FAT) rigs, an integrated logistics centre and a main office complex also formed part of the extensive work scope.

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

Rolls-Royce Rauma produces a wide range of mechanical azimuth thrusters for use on a wide range of applications including semi-submersible drilling rigs and drillships, tugs and offshore vessels. Rauma also produces thrusters for specialist vessels such as icebreakers and polar research ships.