Well Justified Scottish Pride in the Shipyard known as "Govan"
In this new era of shipbuilding it is refreshing to see that new methods and technology are being used and embraced, particularly by the young. These up and coming tradesmen who are picking up new skills with ease are producing excellent results. This has been in part due to continuous "in house" training programs coupled with new technologies. A great example of how new methods are being used are at the "Govan" and "Scotstoun" Shipyard where their workforce has just recently been receiving on-site training put together and run by trained professionals within the Shipyards workforce.
The yard which was formally owned by Kvaerner was acquired by BAE Systems in 1999 and has gone from strength to strength. Through the use of welding automation from Gullco International (UK) Limited a long lasting strong business relationship with the Govan shipyard has formed. Gullco have supplied a good deal of equipment for past projects over the years such as bevelling equipment, which has been used in the preparation of the Super Duplex steel used in their Type 45 Destroyer ships as well as welding carriage automation (Kat Oscillator) which was used to greatly reduce the time and cost of the welding procedure.
The use of welding automation to improve the overall process and increase arc on time is something Govan and Scotstoun have used to stay competitive. They have recently used Kat cutting and welding automation equipment on 19 "block hull link ups" on the Type 45 Destroyers with great results. The older equipment has recently been added to with, new, up to date Gullco Kat oscillation equipment and gas cutting automation in anticipation of the Aircraft Carrier project of which a large portion will be completed by BAE Systems Surface Ships Limited, Govan.
