Precision Piping Installation Without Welding

On ships, there is one type of piping system that cannot be welded: Ermeto piping. Instead, the connections are made using compression fittings—a nut and cutting ring are tightened onto the tube with controlled force, creating a pressure-tight seal without applying heat to the material.

The work was led by Silviu Munteanu, Piping Foreman with 9 years of industry experience, including 3 years at Minerva Navis. On this type of installation, the margin for error is extremely small. A tube bent by just one extra degree, a fitting tightened with incorrect torque, or a support installed only a few millimeters out of position can cause the joint to fail during the first pressure test.

One of the key advantages of the Ermeto system over welded piping is that every connection remains fully demountable. For the crew maintaining the vessel over the next 25 years, this means direct access to every critical point without cutting and re-welding. For the installation team, it means the job must be completed correctly the first time—because every mistake becomes evident during testing.

The piping runs shown in these images pass through critical technical areas of the vessel, including hydraulic systems, oil supply lines, and instrumentation distribution networks. Every line was installed in accordance with the piping drawings, assembled by the team led by Silviu, dimensionally verified, and handed over for pressure testing.

Inspection result: zero leaks during the pressure test.

Our sincere thanks to Silviu Munteanu and his team for the professionalism and discipline demonstrated throughout this project—for every fitting assembled with care and every pipe support positioned with millimetric accuracy.