SK Oceanplant has taken a significant leap forward in offshore wind foundation quality by adopting industry-leading digital quality management systems. The company announced the development and deployment of a comprehensive digital platform that enables real-time monitoring of all manufacturing and quality inspection processes.
At the core of this initiative are two innovative solutions: the Welding Quality Management System (WQMS), which manages fabrication, inspection, and quality data through instantaneous analysis; and the NDE Quality Management System (NQMS), a specialized non-destructive testing (NDT) optimization platform. These systems collectively ensure compliance with the most demanding global quality standards.
WQMS provides a unified digital environment where fabrication, inspection, and quality data are collected and analyzed in real time. It facilitates early detection of potential welding defects, streamlines quality control procedures, and guarantees data integrity through tamper-proof features. All quality records are automatically logged and traceable, enhancing transparency and accountability. One of its key advantages is the ability to retrieve instant quality information within seconds, vastly improving efficiency compared to traditional methods.
NQMS is the industry’s first comprehensive NDT-focused platform developed by SK Oceanplant. It integrates multiple inspection techniques such as Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD), providing digital management of all inspection data. It also enhances the reliability of test results and inspector specialization, enabling automatic generation of certification reports linked to each inspection.
According to the Marine Quality Management team, “The deployment of these systems will enable us to meet and exceed the strictest non-destructive testing standards demanded by our global clients. We are positioning ourselves as leaders in NDE 4.0 standards within the marine and offshore wind sectors.”
This technological upgrade is expected to significantly boost SK Oceanplant's competitiveness in the expanding Asian and European offshore wind markets. The systems will be integrated into the company’s 1.57 million square meter Smart Yard, which is under construction, and will be applicable to both floating (FLOT) and jacket-type foundations, further strengthening the company’s digital innovation capacity.
CEO Lee Seung-chul emphasized, “Offshore wind structures must withstand the harsh marine environment for 30 to 50 years. Implementing a systematic, precise quality management system like WQMS and NQMS is essential. With this, we will solidify our global market position and accelerate smart yard implementation and operational excellence.”
