Bram Voulon has been working since 2018 as a welder at Sif, location Rotterdam (Maasvlakte 2). Why did he choose Sif and what does he think is the biggest challenge?
“I used to work as a metal worker in tank construction. Carrying, cutting, building, hand welding. It was physically demanding and dangerous work. Working at Sif pays better, is quieter and is done with more respect in the workplace. There is less acting tough here.
The hulls from Roermond first go to the prep station where they are brushed clean and measured. Then we mount them on the roller racks. We make the first bond with a mig/mag hand weld. Then I will weld internally according to the submerged powder coating process. We do this with two heads at the same time and two welding wires on each head.
The challenge is that we strive for the perfect weld. It is neat, straight and as flat as possible. On average, you need seven fill layers. The aim is to make one complete internal weld in one shift. I get the best results by focusing well. When I'm in the tube, I only have eyes for the weld. I can concentrate very well; a speaker with good music helps with that. Not too loud, because I want to hear the weld too.”