In the Shed: FastRig Construction

Helenor Fisher - Malin Group

Smart Green Shipping’s (SGS) ‘FastRig’ project, supported by Scottish Enterprise, industry partners and private investors, is now nearing completion of the initial stages of the scope, with the finished fabrication of a 20metre high ‘FastRig’. The 3-year test and demonstration project will see the fabricated structure installed at Hunterston on the Clyde in early 2024. Malin were proud to support this project, with the assistance of our Malin Equipment and John Tracey Specialist Welding teams, each fuelled by a desire to demonstrate that a vessel powered by renewable energy can lead to a revival of civil shipbuilding on the Clyde, create new green jobs, export opportunities, and contribute to Scotland’s NetZero commitments.

John Tracey Specialist Welding successfully completed the fabrication, welding and assembly of an aluminium wing sale, the FastRig, for Smart Green Shipping. FastRig is an innovative retractable, recyclable rigid wing sail designed to be easily retrofitted to existing commercial vessels with available deck space. It represents one of 19 projects selected to receive funding from the UK Government’s £60 million initiative to supercharge the development of clean maritime solutions.

The project was conducted by a team of welders and fabricators, each coded and competent to oversee and complete the full scope of work. Before starting production on the prototype, the full team of welders underwent a weld test and inspection by producing a 3g multi pass butt weld, requiring 100% X-ray and dye pen inspection. The welded test piece required the correct heat inputs and cooling rates to achieve a strong and solid piece of alloy steel, which resulted in a strict welding procedure.

Due to working within a confined space, with carefully positioned gusset plates, the team had to weld within extremely tight areas of space. Correct PPE was worn throughout all welding procedures, with airfed welding helmets and a constant flow of air, were both essential within the compartment the welders were working in. This helped to deactivate any build-up of helium argon gas within the small area.

The wider team at Malin Equipment are now looking to support Smart Green Shipping in the development of the next FastRig, due to be implemented onboard a ship. The team will reflect on all of the learning from this project, with a view to optimise the fabrication process with the goal of creating a circular economy. All in the Malin team are honoured to have taken part in a project that will revolutionise the way people view shipping, drastically reducing the carbon emissions and making it more ecologically conscious.