Four decades on the frontier

One look at the list of orders and its apparent that its deck gear has supported a wide variety of duties: the very first Rubin-class patrol boat was launched in 2009 with the company’s equipment. It’s also been engaged in underpinning some far-flung operations: 2013 saw six tugs for the Port of Vladivostok in Russia’s southeast kitted out with Fluidmecánica’s escort winches.

However, it started small: when it was founded in 1977 Fluidmecánica initially only designed marine machinery and outsourced construction to other companies. By 1985 business had picked up enough speed for the company to start to build its own machines: there was a flurry of activity as it moved into Calle Coruña with facilities of 1,800m2, also starting a division in San Fernando to support the naval industry.

Five years later, Fluidmecánica Sur – which is responsible for deck gear, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment and other related system – was set up as an independent entity within the group, and another six years after that, it stepped up again with its own factory of 7,500 m2. Now, in addition to its Madrid HQ it has three manufacturing plants.

Of course, the methods have updated: now 3D design takes place on Solid Works software, and there are sophisticated surface and heat treatments along with innovative materials and components that can keep their integrity even in extreme conditions.

Perhaps surprisingly for a Spanish company, Fluidmecánica seems to have carved out a niche in Arctic operations: 2012 saw the first of four icebreaking salvage vessels rely on the company’s equipment while more recently there’s been an order for the deck gear for three big Russian icebreakers: these 10,000 dwt vessels will have a towing winch with a pull of 1,200 kN along with eight auto-tension electrical anchor and mooring winch sets. There’s even an order for deck kit on what will be the largest nuclear powered icebreaker in the world.

By Stevie Knight