Vancouver’s Seaspan shipyard is adding new welding equipment as part of a $200 million upgrade to the facility.

The upgrade was needed after the shipyard won an $8 billion shipbuilding contract from the government in late 2011.

The shipyard will be building non-combat vessels and as a part of modernization project, and they will be adding PEMA welding automation equipment for their panel production.

The contract includes a PEMA one-side welding station and stiffener mounting and welding stations equipped with the PEMA WeldControl 100 system.

The line is also equipped with a special covered conveyor solution to make working on the line safer and to transport welded panels smoothly.

Seaspan chose the PEMA automation due to the strategic co-operation between Pemamek Oy Ltd. and Lincoln Electric Co.

The PEMA welding automation lines use Lincoln PowerWave welding power sources. Lincoln and PEMA equipment together made the solution unique and suitable for shipyard’s needs.

“Seaspan invested in PEMA welding automation because of their solid reputation throughout North America,” stated Denis Larose,Facilities Interface Manager.

“We are happy they are providing new technology solutions to our $200 million shipyard modernization program.”

PEMA welding automation is a subsidiary of Finnish company Pemamek Oy Ltd.. They design manufacturing welding automation systems, and work-piece handling equipment.