Seaspan Invests $1.5M In Robotics To Automate Shipbuilding Blast & Paint Operations
26.02.2026
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Vancouver-based Seaspan Shipyards has awarded a $1.5 million contract to Alberta’s Confined Space Robotics (CSR) to develop semiautonomous robotic systems for blast and paint operations across its ship and submarine programmes.
The robotic platforms will be equipped with specialised tools, including needle scalers, laser ablation systems, grinders, grit blasters and spray-coating equipment.
Custom-developed software will manage path planning and operational control, enabling the systems to function inside confined and high-risk spaces where workers are typically exposed to toxic fumes, particulates and repetitive strain.
Blast and paint work is used in new shipbuilding as well as in complex submarine projects, ship repair and overhaul.
Seaspan said the initiative is intended to make these operations safer, more efficient and higher quality across its business.
By assigning repetitive surface preparation and coating tasks to robotic systems, the company aims to reduce worker exposure to hazardous environments and long-term strain injuries while improving consistency in application.
The equipment will be mounted on mobility platforms designed for manual manoeuvring and integrated with software that controls movement and user operations.
Source: www.seaspan.com
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