Japan: MHI Lays Keel for Ramform Titan

Last week in Nagasaki the keel was laid for the new seismic vessel Ramform Titan.

This is the second important milestone in the construction process of the Ramform Titan, which is progressing according to plan.

The Ramform Titan is being built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd (MHI) in Japan, using the latest shipbuilding methodology, in prefabricated blocks.

Block production is now completed and all 22 elements are ready for assembly. Over the coming weeks these will be hoisted one by one into the dry dock in a process known as “vessel erection”. By the end of November the vessel will be afloat.

Block construction involves the assembly of prefabricated sections. Cross-sections of the superstructure are pre-built in the yard, taken to the building dock and then hoisted into position and attached. Equipment components and utilities are built into the blocks, including pipes, plumbing, electrical cables and all major equipment. This means less effort is required once the hull is welded together.

After floating the remaining time will be spent on outfitting, putting in place connections, building the interior, commissioning, and related tasks.

The Ramform Titan is due for delivery first quarter 2013.

[mappress]

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, September 5, 2012; Image: pgs