ESAB recently donated equipment and filler metals to OM Ships International, an organization sending ships around the world with the goal of “bringing knowledge, help and hope to those in need.” OM Ships has been using its ships to promote cross-cultural understanding all over the world since 1970. ESAB provided plasma cutting and welding machines, as well as the necessary filler metals, to perform steel work on Logos Hope, one of OM Ships’ three vessels. 

The ship is currently docked in Kiel, Germany, having steel work done to prepare it for active service. Boasting a 500-person capacity, Logos Hope is the largest vessel ever operated by OM Ships. The company’s ships each carry an international crew and staff of volunteers who live and work on the ships, usually staying for two years. These ships have visited more than 450 different ports in 150 countries and territories and averages more than one million visitors onboard each year. 

ESAB donated PowerCut 650 plasma cutting equipment and a MiniArc 150 welder for TIG and Stick welding, as well as an assortment of Sureweld and Atom Arc filler metals. PowerCut 650 is a ready-to-cut package that delivers big machine cutting power in a rugged, lightweight design for easy portability. It cuts up to 5/8 in. (15.9 mm) and severs 3/4 in. (19.0 mm) and features an adjustable current output that can be tailored to the material to be cut. Designed for ease of use and operator comfort, PowerCut 650 also offers excellent consumable life for economical operation.

The MiniArc 150 welder is designed to provide outstanding welding performance for touch-start TIG and Stick welding. Its Automatic Primary Select operates on either 110 vac or 230 vac and will automatically configure for the primary input supplied by customer. Continuous current control permits easy fine tuning. At just 18 pounds, this inverter-based unit is portable and easy to carry directly to the job. A convenient sturdy plastic case accommodates the MiniArc, welding cables, TIG torch and other accessories.

Atom Arc was the original low hydrogen electrode and still sets the standard today. Manufactured in a strict quality-controlled environment and tested in strict accordance with AWS standards, these moisture-resistant low hydrogen electrodes deliver consistent performance and x-ray quality weldments. The Sureweld line of electrodes includes a variety of chemical formulations for high quality welding in mild steel and pipe applications. Performance is the key reason that Sureweld and Atom Arc covered electrodes are selected for high production radiographic welds meeting the strictest mechanical properties.

This equipment will be used to complete the steelwork projects to be done onboard and maintain the steel in good order in the coming years. These include building plumbing and welding workshops, cutting holes for the fresh water pipes and drains in the new cafeteria, installing the sewage treatment plant, cutting pipes and flanges, steel plates, deck heads and bulkheads, and numerous small welding projects needed on the interior of the ship, especially the kitchens. The plasma cutter, welder and filler metals together form a complete package for TIG or Stick welding and cutting that will help prepare the Logos Hope for its important worldwide mission. “ESAB is very pleased to assist OM Ships in their mission to break down cultural barriers and help those in need throughout the world,” said Jeff Hoffart, Sr. Vice President & General Manager, Equipment, Cutting & Steel Industry Products, ESAB Welding & Cutting Products – North America.