EFD Induction supplies second ‘Terac’ induction straightening system to Shipyard De Hoop

July 3, 2014 - PRLog -- “Winning our first order from Shipyard De Hoop back in 2011 was big for us,” says Mark Wells, head of ‘Terac’ sales at EFD Induction. “But to gain a repeat order underlines just how well our ‘Terac’ systems meet the most stringent cost and quality requirements. After all, Shipyard De Hoop is a renowned yard that builds vessels for critical missions in often harsh environments.”

Straightening is necessary because of distortions introduced by welding into the metal plates of a ship’s decks and bulkheads. “Such straightening has traditionally been done by slow, laborious, expensive flame heating,” says Wells. “But induction straightening slashes the time needed for straightening.

In fact, our Terac systems have sometimes cut the time spent straightening by as much as 80 percent. It’s a safer, cleaner and more ergonomic way of working, too.”

Shipyard De Hoop was so impressed by the performance of the first Terac system that they ordered the second system without any further trials or demos. “The EFD Induction Terac system has proved its worth,” says Johan Fasel, Shipyard De Hoop’s Director of Operations, “and as we have orders for 22 ships to deliver over the next three years, the second Terac will be a powerful time-saving tool for us.”

According to EFD Induction’s Mark Wells, the Shipyard De Hoop order underlines the benefits of induction straightening for smaller shipbuilders. “Some people assume that induction straightening is only relevant for large yards. That’s because the time and cost savings are so dramatic on large vessels. But as Shipyard De Hoop’s experience shows, the cumulative benefits from smaller projects are still quite compelling.”

Shipyard De Hoop has three facilities in the Netherlands, two shipbuilding yards at Foxhol and Lobith, and an outfitting quay in Rotterdam that also serves as an operating base for sea trials. Notable recent orders for Shipyard De Hoop include a 68m-long Offshore Support Vessel to be delivered later this year for operation in Nigerian oil fields. Shipyard De Hoop has also started production of the first of ten 65m-long Platform Supply Vessels for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.