Magnets at Shipyards: Powering the Future of Heavy Lifting and Welding

Shipbuilding and repair have always been industries defined by heavy lifting, precision welding, and working in challenging environments both above and below the waterline. As shipyards adopt smarter and safer solutions, magnetic technology is taking center stage. Magswitch has engineered a line of advanced tools that make shipyard operations more efficient, safer, and more adaptable. From lifting magnets to welding aids and tethering systems, our solutions are reshaping the way shipyards operate

Magswitch Shipyard Solutions

Safer and Smarter Lifting Magnets

Safety is a top priority in any shipyard, and lifting magnets are revolutionizing how crews handle heavy steel. Unlike traditional hooks and chains, Magswitch magnetic lifting devices eliminate pinch points and reduce manual strain. By switching on and off at the push of a button, workers gain precision control while drastically improving safety.

With the ability to grip steel securely, lifting magnets also minimize damage to material surfaces. This is especially valuable when handling painted or treated steel plates used in ship construction. Magswitch beam jacks, designed to handle up to six tons, combine raw strength with intuitive operation, giving crews confidence when lifting even the heaviest ship components.

Most importantly, Magswitch magnets deliver fail-safe holding power. Our technology is engineered to maintain a secure grip even in the harshest shipyard conditions, helping protect both workers and valuable assets.

Welding with Magnetic Precision

Holding, Aligning, and Stabilizing

Welding large steel plates and stiffeners requires perfect alignment, and this is where Magswitch magnets excel. Products like the 90 Degree Angle Stiffener and 90 Degree Angle 1000 provide powerful magnetic holding force, allowing welders to position and lock parts in place quickly. This ensures precision in every weld while reducing the need for clamps, tack welds, and time-consuming rework.

• 90 Degree Angle Stiffener 1200 – Delivers rigid and stable positioning for welding and fabrication work.
• 90 Degree Angle 1000 – Simplifies complex setups, making alignment faster and more accurate.

Reducing Distortion with MagPress

Distortion during welding is a common challenge in shipyards. The Magswitch MagPress addresses this issue by pressing panels into alignment before and during welding. By minimizing gaps and reducing thermal movement, welders achieve stronger, cleaner welds, ultimately improving ship integrity and longevity.

●     Magswitch MagPress – Designed to press panels and reduce distortion, improving weld quality and efficiency.

Working Above and Below the Surface

Shipyards demand versatility. From towering ship hulls to submerged repairs, Magswitch technology is engineered to perform in diverse environments.

Above the surface, Magswitch beam jacks and MagTethers give crews confidence when maneuvering massive steel sections. Below the waterline, our magnets maintain holding power where traditional methods often fail. Whether securing scaffolding, stabilizing panels, or creating safe attachment points, Magswitch solutions deliver reliability across every layer of shipyard operations.

The ability to transition seamlessly between above-water and underwater work saves time, reduces setup complexity, and ensures projects stay on schedule.

• 6 Ton Beam Jack – Designed for massive loads, this beam jack delivers strength and stability in demanding shipyard environments.
• 3 Ton Beam Jack – A versatile lifting solution built for mid-range applications where precision and safety are critical.
• 1.5 Ton Beam Jack – Compact yet powerful, perfect for lighter loads in tight working conditions.

Secure Positioning with MagTether Systems

Shipyard environments are high-risk, making fall protection and secure positioning critical. The Magswitch MagTether series offers workers flexible tethering solutions that can be attached directly to steel surfaces.

Unlike conventional anchoring methods, MagTether products are lightweight, portable, and easy to reposition. Workers gain mobility without sacrificing safety, whether

• MagTether 1000 – Provides secure attachment points and safety tethering in shipyard environments.
• MagTether 600 – Ideal for workers who need reliable positioning and fall protection solutions.
• MagTether 300 – Lightweight and highly portable, perfect for work crews in motion.

Custom Solutions for Every Project

No two shipyards are alike, and no two projects share identical requirements. That’s why Magswitch offers custom engineering services to design solutions tailored to your operation. Whether you need a specialized lifting device, a custom welding aid, or an innovative tethering system, our engineers will partner with your team from concept to deployment.

By combining decades of expertise with cutting-edge magnetic technology, Magswitch delivers solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible in shipyard construction and repair.

Conclusion

The future of shipyards is being shaped by magnetic technology. From safer lifting and precise welding to versatile tethering and custom solutions, Magswitch products are redefining efficiency and safety in maritime industries.

Ready to bring Magswitch technology into your shipyard? Contact our team today to discuss your project and discover how we can engineer the perfect solution for your needs.