The anchor niche is a compartment within the ship's structure, typically located at the front, designed to house the anchors. A modern anchor niche is engineered to optimize weight distribution and significantly reduce vessel sway during anchoring and under harsh weather conditions. By positioning and optimizing this compartment, lateral movement of the vessel is reduced, significantly enhancing overall stability.

Challenges:

Building the anchor niche demanded seamless integration into the ship’s structure, a process that requires  high precision. Given the size and weight of the massive components involved, each part had to be installed with utmost accuracy to ensure the ship’s stability and safety under challenging operational conditions. The thickness of the plates and the complex compartmentalization within confined spaces presented unique challenges, necessitating meticulous planning and flawless execution.

Every weld underwent rigorous ultrasonic testing (US), used to inspect the internal structure of the joints, ensuring there were no cracks, pores, or other imperfections that might compromise long-term strength. This inspection method allowed us to achieve an exceptional level of safety and quality for this project, adhering to the highest industry standards and ensuring lasting durability of the structure.

Minerva Navis completed the work on time and to an exceptional standard of quality. Our experts in fitting, welding, and surface preparation surpassed expectations with this flawless delivery. The client’s response was one of enthusiasm and complete satisfaction with these results. With every project, we reinforce our position as an industry leader.

Mechanized welding in the shipbuilding industry is a sophisticated process that requires highly skilled welders to operate automated equipment. For this type of welding to ensure both speed and outstanding quality, it is crucial that welders are exceptionally well-trained, accurately set the technical parameters, and adjust the process to suit environmental conditions. Additionally, they must continuously monitor weld quality to guarantee flawless results.

The mechanized welding carried out by our teams plays a vital role in ensuring the structural integrity of the ship, significantly contributing to its durability and safety.

Our clients benefit from:

• Exceptional welding quality
• Reduced welding costs
• On-time project completion

The welding specialists at Minerva Navis perform mechanized welding daily at the highest standards, particularly in the processes of prefabrication, assembly, and mounting. In this context, we would like to extend our thanks to Mr. Mureș Nicolae, not only for his impeccable work but also for the images captured during the operations, which we are pleased to share on this occasion. 

The crane pedestal is an essential element in the operation of the ship-mounted crane. This pedestal is a pillar, which serves as a rotation axis and support for the crane arm.

Here are some key aspects of a crane pedestal:

1. Structural Support: The pedestal provides support and stability for the crane arm and associated mechanisms, allowing for safe lifting and handling of loads.
2. Mobility: This pedestal allows the crane arm to pivot or rotate, offering flexibility and the ability to maneuver loads in various directions and positions.

Challenges:

Installing the crane pedestal on a ship is a complex and difficult process, requiring attention to detail and advanced technical skills.

- Flatness: It is essential that the base of the pedestal be perfectly flat to ensure stability and proper operation of the crane. Deviations here are a maximum of 0.15 degrees.

- Verticality: The pedestal must be mounted perfectly vertically to allow for proper rotation and operation of the crane. Deviations here are on the order of microns. A micron is 1,000 times smaller than a millimeter.

- Welding: Welding the crane pedestal is another critical aspect. This operation must be performed by elite welders. The entire weld is NDT controlled. A poor weld can lead to the displacement or even the collapse of the crane pedestal, which could cause significant damage to the ship. This could affect both the structure of the ship and its functionality.

Was it difficult? Yes! It was all about expertise and extreme precision. The result: the work was delivered to the client flawlessly, without any remarks.

At Minerva Navis, every job becomes a worry-free experience for our clients. They can confidently monitor the progress, knowing that their work is in safe hands and will be successfully completed.

Words from our Foreman Roșca Nicu: "For this job, I collaborated with the best and most experienced fitters from the team I lead. For me as a Foreman, it is a pride to execute such works."

A ship's mast is an essential technology hub, being equipped with advanced functionality including communication systems, GPS, navigation lights, sound warning and lighting, all of which contribute to the efficiency and safety of sea travel. Therefore, the mast ensures the precise and safe navigation of the ship, being a crucial pillar in the management of maritime operations.

Each mast is designed to meet the specifications and needs of the vessel it serves, thus becoming a unique and customized construction that contributes to the vessel's identity and functional efficiency.

Challenges:

The construction of this mast involved significant difficulties, especially highlighted by the need to work with a variety of rays, angles, and inclinations.The elements of the work had to be adjusted with extreme precision during the construction phase, to ensure that the final structure is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and durable. Getting this job right requires skill and experience, as each element influences how the mast will interact with external forces such as wind or tension from mounted equipment.

At the same time, the mast has an impact on the balance and stability of the vessel, as changes in the design or weight of the mast can significantly influence the center of gravity of the vessel. A wrong execution of the work could adversely affect the maneuverability and safety of the vessel, increasing the risk of capsizing or difficulties in navigation.

These details make mast construction a painstaking and highly specialized task.

Minerva Navis demonstrated an outstanding performance in the execution of this complex work, managing to complete the project on time and hand it over without objections. Our top foremen, including skilled fitters and welders, have outdone themselves in making this impressive structure.

The contribution of our grinders was no less important; they perfected the work cosmetically, ensuring that every detail is finished with the utmost care. This achievement underscores Minerva Navis's commitment to excellence and quality, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in the shipbuilding industry.

Strategically placed at the front of the ship, the bulb shapes the course of the water, cleaving the waves with a special grace. This master of hydrodynamics reduces the force with which water opposes the ship's forward motion, thereby saving precious fuel. This technological solution allows an increase in the speed of travel by about 7-10%, thus reducing the operating costs of the vessel.

In rough waters, it becomes a reliable ally, giving the ship impressive stability, minimizing rocking and improving maneuverability.

Challenges:

In the assembly phase, it was key to create and preserve an impeccable flatness of the structure, the section being built on the transversal wall at the stern. Due to the significant height, every millimeter counted; any deviation from perfect flatness could have created a domino effect, disrupting the verticality of the central member and, by extension, compromising the precise alignment of the entire assembly of transverse and longitudinal members.

A major challenge was the installation of the outer cladding sheets, of different thicknesses and with double curvature, where our elite foremen, together with our experienced fitters, displayed exceptional technical mastery and accuracy, demonstrating extraordinary skill.

Our top welders were also put to a remarkable challenge due to the extremely confined spaces they had to work in, as well as the considerable volume of welding checked using NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) techniques.

In an amazing display of efficiency, the section was erected without delay, even in the midst of strong wind and torrential rain in a surprisingly short time and with remarkable accuracy, meeting the client's deadline.

Minerva Navis triumphed in the face of this exceptional challenge, successfully completing the work within the deadline set by the site. Our success was remarkable, considering the complexity and difficulty of the operations carried out. Moreover, the work was accepted without any comments by both the Certification Class and the client. This not only confirms our technical competence, but also our commitment to deliver high quality results in shipbuilding. Minerva Navis remains true to its value of excellence.

Minerva Navis is taking a big step towards the future of naval installations. The future belongs to revolutionary materials - stronger, lighter, and extremely efficient in assembly.

Today, we immortalized the efforts of our colleagues, who focused on fitting exotic pipes on a grand cruise ship. Their skill and dedication in assembling these vital components is reflected in each photo.

Our installations are the heart of the ship, turning every cruise into a comfortable and safe adventure for passengers eager to explore.

Challenges:

The installation process is a true art of precision, where every pipe joint is done with enviable craftsmanship. Our team, equipped with patience and meticulous attention, faces the challenge of working in tight spaces, often bordering on the impossible. Each step is a fine dance between rigorous adherence to standards and adaptation to limited spaces, turning each montage into a technical masterpiece.

The quality within these installations is measured by four essential criteria:

- Impeccable visual appearance;

- Absence of vibrations;

- Compliance with technical specifications;

- Absence of counter slopes;

- Resistance to pressure test.

At Minerva Navis, we deliver perfect installations right from the first inspection, guaranteeing customer satisfaction. We are masters in high-quality technical deliveries and perfect tightness at high pressures, where we do not lose a drop of liquid.

Our constant aim is to deliver ahead of schedule, delivering exceptional work every time.

Imagine a world where the wind doesn't just blow, it powers our cities, communities and hearts. At Minerva Navis, we don't just dream of this future, we build it!

We support the global ambition of zero emissions by 2050, actively contributing by building offshore structures for offshore wind farms for our client Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France.

Our offshore structures are more than just buildings: each one provides green energy for 800,000 people. Minerva Navis, carried out prefabrication, assembly and mounting with special attention to quality, the requirements for these platforms being extremely high. They must withstand the forces of the sea and vibrations, which requires top quality materials and welds.

Challenges:

Requirements for impeccable welding. Every weld has been executed and checked with the utmost attention, because the resistance depends on it. With 50% of welds controlled by U.T. and with large extensions to the smallest defect found, we left no room for error.

Execution of the construction without affecting the sheet metal field. Special metal plates of the highest quality were used. The surfaces were prepared with the greatest care and for large thicknesses, over 30 mm, preheating was done. The use of the hammer was prohibited. The sheet metal fields were tested with M.T..

We proudly delegated an elite team for these operations, who not only delivered brilliantly, but were also appreciated, receiving direct praise from the client. Coordination was masterfully orchestrated by our seconded engineer and foremen.

Our welders shined, exceeding expectations with a formidable 97% pass rate in welding tests. And our fitters, masters of precision, have perfectly combined quality with speed, consolidating the reputation of excellence we have in the field.

The thruster tunnel helps the 360 degree maneuver of the ship.

This propulsion system is in the bow of the ship and helps with better maneuverability. The system facilitates docking, because ity allows the captain to turn the ship to port or starboard without using the main propulsion mechanism.

Challenges:

The biggest challenge was when connecting the 67 ton section with the 47 ton thruster tunnel, so that at the end there would be a flatness deviation of ±1 mm.

The complexity of the section is given by the thickness of the plates, plus the intersections between the longitudinal and transversal sections.

For this work, we had 80 lm of US controlled welding and 100 lm of controlled welding with penetrating liquids and magnetic powder.

Minerva Navis successfully completed this job, at the deadline required by the shipyard and at a superior quality. The client accepted the work from the first visit, without observations.

This was a prototype ship, the execution was difficult due to the experimental technical documentation. It was necessary for Minerva Navis to work in parallel with the Technical Department to update the documentation in real-time based on the information from the production teams.

The biggest challenge was to execute the work successfully without having the exact technical documentation. The project’s success can be attributed to our coordinators who have significant experience and expertise in this particular field.

Incomplete technical documentation along with various complex problems during production led us to perform the work step by step, directly onboard the ship. Together with the design team, Minerva Navis devised solutions to respect Azipull's quotas.

The design engineers took the information from our production specialists and remodelled the head-box, successfully completing this challenging project.

Our Our client was concerned that the stabilizer had been compromised after being dropped on the ground, which would have been a devastating financial loss. Minerva Navis was selected to perform the repairs given the team’s expertise in problem solving.

We accepted the challenge and immediately started working. The whole process was spectacular: Seven workers were operating seven hydraulic presses simultaneously inside the stabilizer, while on the exterior side, workers were straightening with flame tools.

One of our best foremen with extensive experience in the field was the leader on this project. The entire team adhered to his instructions completely. Finally, thanks to our cautious and methodical process, the stabilizer was back in shape. Our team did a fantastic job and we were extremely thrilled to see our client completely satisfied with the end result.