An industry consortium is piloting a project that will test the potential for using 3D printing as an alternative to housing spare parts on ships and offshore facilities.
The collaborative project that includes Maersk Line and Maersk Tankers will deliver secured, built-to-order 3D printers, training tools and videos to ships and drilling stations.
The consortium intends for crews to “learn the whole process independently” in order to become “self-sufficient” in the 3D printing process, according to a statement from the consortium.
J Lauritzen’s head of performance management Sverre Patursson Vange said “3D printing technology is developing rapidly, and we believe it is ready for utilisation in the maritime industry. However, the harsh environment and the top priority to safety calls for precautions.”
Involving representatives from the “majority of the supply chain” in the pilot programme represents one precaution according to the group. Intellectual property rights and secure transmission of files present other challenges, which 3D printing technology specialists Create it Real have addressed through end-to-end encryption of files.
Utilising 3D printers in the shipping and offshore industry would reduce the space needed for spare parts storage and save on both cost and CO2 emissions when spare parts would otherwise be delivered by launch boats or helicopters. The solution could also potentially offer real-time access to updated designs for ship systems.
Green Ship of the Future consortium members – J Lauritzen, Maersk Line, Maersk Tankers, Maersk Drilling, MAN Diesel & Turbo, DNV GL and Copenhagen Business School – are partnering with 3D printing technology specialists Create it Real in the pilot programme. The project is financed by the Danish Maritime Fund.
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Source: LNG World Shipping
