A Steel Challenge: Assembling the aft double bottom — with zero room for error

The particularity of these two structures is that the azimuth equipment — key components of the vessel’s propulsion system — will be installed inside them.

Challenges

The works were defined by a complex double-curved geometry, both transversally and longitudinally. These are advanced structures, featuring a dense network of internal elements.

The main difficulty came from the extremely tight tolerances — only ±4 mm flatness — combined with restricted working spaces, sometimes as small as 400 x 400 mm, which limited team and equipment access.

To achieve perfect geometry, a complex welding strategy was applied, specifically designed to control the structure’s stresses and deformations.

At the end, all welds were verified through full ultrasonic testing (NDT – 100% UT), confirming complete compliance with technical requirements and Minerva Navis quality standards.

Result

The work was executed to the highest quality standards, to the full satisfaction of the client.

Zero stress. Zero issues. Only satisfaction.
This is what shipbuilding excellence looks like — the Minerva Navis signature.