Welding is one of the most widely used hot-work processes used in the shipbuilding industry. The development in welding technology has enabled the industry to produce perfectly watertight and oil-tight joints. Welded joints as compared to riveted joints are much easier to produce and they reduce the cycle time of the project. Welded joints have also resulted in reduced steel weight and require less to negligible maintenance compared to rivet joints. The major contribution of welding technology to the shipbuilding industry is the possibility of producing smooth hull surfaces, therefore reducing the bare hull resistance and power requirements considerably.

Welded joints as compared to riveted joints are much easier to produce and they reduce the cycle time of the project. Welded joints have also resulted in reduced steel weight and require less to negligible maintenance compared to rivet joints. The major contribution of welding technology to the shipbuilding industry is the possibility of producing smooth hull surfaces, therefore reducing the bare hull resistance and power requirements considerably.

The three main welding techniques that are used in a shipyard are as follows:

·         Arc Welding

·         Gas Welding

·         Resistance Welding