ABS and a consortium led by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) have signed a pioneering Joint Development Agreement (JDP) aimed at enabling the onboard manufacture of repair parts using 3D printing technology.
Overview of the Agreement
– The consortium, including ABS, HHI, CScam (a 3D printer manufacturer), and KITECH (a digital library developer), aims to support rapid maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) on sailing merchant vessels.
– The project focuses on the use of metallic materials and additive manufacturing (AM).
Development Framework
– Building on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last year, the JDP outlines the development of a framework and methodology to assess parts fabricated at sea.
– The initial focus will be on non-class parts, benchmarking them against onshore printed samples.
Statements from Key Representatives
– Dr. Gu Hai, ABS Vice President, Technology states “This is the first time a class society has been involved from the beginning of such research, and ABS is proud to provide guidance and our deep technological experience to this distinguished group of companies. We look forward to exploring the possibilities of additive manufacturing, which promises to support more efficient operations in the maritime industry.”
– Lee Hwan Sik, HHI Senior Vice President states “We are excited to work with ABS on this cutting-edge technology that will help us explore additive manufacturing for complex shipbuilding parts. This is the first of its kind for marine ships and, with guidance from ABS, we look forward to manufacturing marine parts by 2025.”
New Technology Qualification (NTQ)
ABS, HHI, and CScam have initiated NTQ procedures for additive manufacturing systems.HHI and CScam have achieved NTQ Stage 1 and 2 from ABS, marking the first NTQ on additive manufacturing in Korea.
ABS NTQ Services
ABS NTQ services provide guidance and certification for early adoption and efficient implementation of new technologies. These services ensure that potential risks have been systematically reviewed and that technologies demonstrate a sufficient level of maturity.
Additional ABS Initiatives
– ABS has been involved in several industry-leading AM initiatives, including a project to manufacture and classify a 3D-printed propeller.
– More information on ABS AM services and requirements can be found on their website.
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Source: American Bureau of Shipping
