Rolls-Royce invests in azimuth production and service facilities

The project will include a major rebuild of existing facilities, the transfer of thruster assembly and testing onto one site from the existing two locations, and a significant investment in new equipment.

A wide range of mechanical azimuth thrusters – used on vessels including semi-submersible drilling rigs and drillships, tugs and offshore vessels – are produced at Rauma, as well as units for specialist vessels including icebreakers and polar research ships.

The work is due for completion in 2020. It will include installation of a crane capable of lifting 200 tonnes, and at least six factory acceptance test rigs. Offices and IT systems will also be refurbished.

Mikael Makinen, president, Rolls-Royce Marine, said: “Our azimuth thrusters are one of our most important products, providing mission critical power and propulsion for some of the largest floating objects on the planet. To be able to make this significant investment in Rauma not only prepares us for future growth in this market, but is a vote of confidence in the capability and expertise of our people.”

Olli Rantanen, managing director, Rolls-Royce Finland, added: “This investment will allow us to plan for the future, and enable us to efficiently produce our existing range and develop new and larger mechanical thrusters.”

Meanwhile the company is also investing in its service capabilities for azimuth thrusters. At its Ulsteinvik service centre in Norway (where azipull thrusters are also produced), Rolls-Royce has in the past week opened a 2,600m2 hall dedicated to servicing larger thruster sizes used on oil rigs. The units can weigh up to 190 tonnes, generating 7.5MW of power.

The 28m-high hall features two 80.9t Konecranes transverse cranes –– with a torque test rig to be installed. The hall can accommodate 16 thrusters simultaneously, equal to all thrusters for two oil rigs.

On a media tour of the facility last week, the company noted that the investment was in preparation for the return to health of the offshore market. The service market is expected to show growth ahead of newbuilding, as machinery on out-of-use, ‘cold stacked’ rigs will require a complete service before operations restart.