For Xionggu, this marks the beginning of a new chapter. Having long mastered the challenges of complex field environments, we now faced our first test in offshore conditions—overcoming the impact of vessel motion on pipe alignment and maritime weather on welding parameters. Against all odds, Xionggu’s automated pipeline welding systems proved their mettle.  

With daily vessel operational costs running high, minimizing expenses for the client was critical. Under tight deadlines, Xionggu’s welding engineer Mr. Liu and his team worked hand-in-hand with the crew. After three days of repairs, inspections, and preliminary (debugging), Xionggu’s internal pipeline welder and dual-torch external welding system went live on October 8, 2019.  

Despite constrained conditions—limited welding stations (only three available) and basic onboard facilities—the crew’s collaboration ensured the successful welding of 3.6 km of offshore pipeline in just over ten days. The results spoke for themselves: a 95.7% first time qualification rate and a peak daily output of 32 welds (16 hours per shift).  

While this project has concluded, it stands as a milestone in Xionggu’s offshore welding journey. “We see because we believe,” remarked Mr. Mou Kun, Head of Xionggu’s Automated Welding Division. “Soon, our offshore welding machine will mirror the dominance of our land-based equipment, bringing innovation to broader horizons.”