Leading maritime firm Wilhelmsen has unveiled an early adopter program EAP for 3D printing marine spare pieces. Several leading cruise, ship, and dry bulk management firms have signed up to EAP for 3D printing by Wilhelmsen. They will start using on-demand additive manufacturing.
As a result, they will do away with the desire for physical inventory warehouse often difficult distribution and usually high logistics expenses. The firm will offer spare components on-demand to its client’s vessels across the world. This is part of their continuing partnership with Ivaldi Group.
The company launched its additive manufacturing program in Singapore. The reception was held at Pier 71, the port innovation driver made by Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and by NUS Enterprise. The DNV GL, MPA, and the Norwegian Ambassador toi Singapore were present.
Head of Venture, 3D Printing, Wilhelmsen, Hakon Ellekjaer says “The savings from reduced cost, time and environmental footprint provided by 3D printing, digital inventory and on-demand localized manufacturing of maritime spare parts is a tremendous opportunity for our valued subscribers to be ahead of their rivals,”
“We believe on-demand manufacturing technologies are going to completely reshape the maritime supply chain.” He added.
Carnival Maritime explicitly agrees, with the Head of Innovation and Energy Management stating, Sebastian Sala, “Carnival operates over 100 cruise ships with various itineraries worldwide. Adding 3D printed parts with fast delivery to our portfolio, will be the first steps towards an exciting future for global logistics in the cruise industry.”
Also, the ship management firms have been keen to see the worthiness in Wilhelmsen’s newest initiative. Many players are eager to sign up.
“Thome Group is committed to promoting and adopting innovative technologies that can enhance not only the operational efficiency of ships, but also the management of the assets. We have observed that 3D printing or on-demand additive manufacturing has the potential to become an alternative solution that can offer an easier, faster, economical and more environment-friendly alternative to the conventional marine supply chain.
Besides looking at the technology as a means for manufacturing items that are not available readily from regular sources, through our partnership with Wilhelmsen Ships Service and Ivaldi Group, we are actively exploring the option of using this solution for establishing a structured supply chain for certain regular stores and spare parts.” Says Ashish Malik, Deputy COO, Thome Ship Management.
While commenting on their involvement in the program, the MD OSERV Pte Ltd – OSM Maritime Group, Peter Schellenberger, said the following: “We clearly see that we have to convert buzzwords into action and embark on meaningful and solid trials if we truly believe that 3D Printing in shipping can and will be one of the future disruptors. Better shape than follow! This subject, along with sustainability, will be one of our main immediate future topics.”
Executive Ship Management are among those who’ve chosen to join the project from the start.
Steen Lund, CCO and Group CDO said that Executive Ship Management has trust in the value of Wilhelmsen’s ambition.
