SFO Technologies, Cochin Shipyard launch Indian welding system for shipbuilding

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SFO Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and Cochin Shipyard Limited have jointly developed an Indian designed and manufactured hybrid laser arc welding system, expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities for shipbuilding, defence and heavy engineering applications.

The technology was unveiled at the newly inaugurated Advanced Laser Engineering Centre and Hybrid Laser Arc Welding Research and Development Facility at NeST HiTek Park in Kalamassery, Kerala.

The companies describe the system as India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured hybrid laser arc welding technology, intended to reduce reliance on imported welding platforms.

The system combines high power fibre lasers, robotic automation and conventional arc welding into a single manufacturing process.

Hybrid laser arc welding uses a concentrated laser beam alongside an electric arc to join metal components. The combination can improve welding speed, penetration and consistency compared with conventional processes, depending on material thickness and production requirements.

For shipbuilders, the technology offers potential advantages in fabricating steel structures, including hull sections, decks and other large assemblies where welding quality and production efficiency are important.

Automated welding can also help manufacturers achieve more consistent results across repeated production operations.

However, the companies have not disclosed production capacity, investment costs, welding performance figures or a timetable for commercial deployment.

The Kalamassery facility was inaugurated by Jose V. J., Chairman and Managing Director of Cochin Shipyard, and Dr. N. Jehangir, Chairman and Managing Director of SFO Technologies.

The centre brings together laser engineering, robotics and welding research to support further development of the technology.

Beyond shipbuilding, the companies identified potential applications in defence manufacturing, railway equipment, energy infrastructure, storage tanks, wagons and heavy industrial fabrication.

These sectors frequently require extensive welding of large metal structures, making manufacturing efficiency and consistent weld quality important operational considerations.

The development supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to strengthen domestic industrial capabilities and reduce dependence on imported technology.

For Cochin Shipyard, the collaboration provides access to locally developed welding technology that could support future shipbuilding and industrial fabrication requirements.

SFO Technologies, the flagship company of NeST Group, contributes its engineering and manufacturing capabilities to the joint development.