Huisman Czech Republic has become a leader in designing and producing specialised technical equipment for challenging sectors like energy, marine, mining, and entertainment. By consistently innovating and approaching technological challenges with professionalism and boldness, the company participates in global projects that are transforming the industrial landscape. We discussed these topics with the company’s top executives.
Making the biggest crane and advancing renewable energy initiatives
Huisman Czech Republic faced a monumental challenge in producing the tallest fully assembled crane, standing at 225 meters, designed for installing wind turbine generators. The project was completed with exceptional speed and precision, highlighting the company’s expertise not just in manufacturing but also in project management and quality control. “A large portion of the work was automated, with welding robots completing an impressive 60% of the welding operations, a significantly higher proportion than typical in conventional manufacturing,” stated Tomáš Zamarski, Lead Project Manager at Huisman Czech Republic.
In recent years, the company has also achieved significant success by contributing to the design and production of a specialised crane with a lifting capacity of 4,000 tonnes and a reach of 125 meters above deck, intended to aid in setting up offshore wind turbine foundations. Installed on the Green Jade vessel, the crane features cutting-edge technologies for managing massive structures under extreme conditions. “We produced the essential components of this sophisticated crane at our facility in the Czech Republic, investing approximately 35,000 hours into the project,” explains Karel Pavlíček, Managing Director of Huisman Czech Republic. The Sviadnov facility is also dedicated to manufacturing automated stacking cranes for Europe’s largest port in Rotterdam, as well as producing specialised gangways that provide safe and comfortable transit for people and cargo between ships and offshore structures.
Innovations in 3D printing and welding
The upgrade of the welding robot at the Sviadnov facility has enabled the production of heavier and more intricate components that previously required manual welding. “Thanks to these enhancements, we can now produce weldments up to 24 meters in length and weighing up to 15 tonnes, surpassing the former constraints of the robotic system. This new welding robot is now a crucial element of our production process, significantly enhancing both the efficiency and quality of our products,” stated Antonín Jedinák, Welding Leader at Huisman Czech Republic.
Huisman Czech Republic is at the forefront of using 3D printing technology to create hooks for marine cranes. In 2019, the company became the first in the world to successfully deliver certified 3D-printed hooks using the WAAM (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing) technique. Among the biggest items produced in Sviadnov are four double hooks, each capable of handling 250 tonnes.
Promoting education and cooperation with the academic sector
The company actively promotes technical education by collaborating with various technical secondary schools and universities to draw in young talent and offer them practical experience. “Young technicians engage in specific projects within a real working environment, providing them with invaluable experience for their future careers,” stated Monika Pěnčíková, HR Manager at Huisman Czech Republic. Recently, the Sviadnov company also contributed six pallets of components to the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava. These components will be utilised in teaching and will assist in outfitting the newly established Electric Light Laboratories.
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