Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering, a South Korean shipbuilder established in 1973 in South Korea, has awarded a $6 million+ order to Rockwell Automation and its Global Solutions team to provide emergency shutdown, fire and gas safety systems, and engineering services for four new DSME offshore drill ships and options for three more ships. Rockwell Automation will provide leading safety system technology using its PlantPAx process automation system, FactoryTalk View, AADvance process safety and project management expertise. Three orders have already been signed; additional orders are expected by mid-2012. "Rockwell Automation offers a proven, robust safety system for DSME's offshore vessels and rigs. They have the experience and expertise to design, develop and deliver these systems, working with their partners here in Korea," said H.G. Choi, director of purchasing, DSME.  "Based on our long, successful relationship, we are confident in the ability Rockwell Automation has to provide the integrated information, control, power and safety systems we need for this important project."

"This win is significant because it propels Rockwell Automation to the forefront of control and safety solutions for offshore vessels and drilling rigs," said Terry Gebert, vice president and general manager, Rockwell Automation Global Solutions. "Our solution is unique as it provides a single, flexible, scalable platform using the PlantPAx system to meet the specifications of an integrated control and safety system.   Our experience, oil and gas domain expertise, and global resources will help DSME run a profitable and sustainable operation."

To better serve its Korean customers, Rockwell Automation recently opened a new customer briefing and competency center in Seoul. The center houses working models that demonstrate integrated, flexible and scalable automation systems operated by multidisciplined controls and the PlantPax system. "This new facility highlights plantwide optimization, machine builder performance and sustainable production solutions using a wide range of our advanced automation products, and information architecture," said Bob Ruff, president, Rockwell Automation Asia Pacific. "Our customers, partners and others will be able to visualize the power of advanced technology."