3D Metalforge says that it has successfully 3D printed and installed parts on board an oil tanker.
The company made the components as part of an additive manufacturing (AM) project also led by ABS, ConocoPhillips Polar Tankers and Sembcorp Marine Ltd, 3D Metalforge said.
The additive manufactured parts were fabricated, lab-tested and installed on board the oil tanker Endeavour and were in operation on the tanker for six months. They were then inspected by the vessel’s crew and remote surveyed by ABS, and validated to be in good working condition.
‘The success of this project augurs well for the adoption of AM in the marine industry,’ said Sembcorp Marine head of R&D Simon Kuik. ‘Through AM, Sembcorp Marine is able to customize parts for our customers and reduce material wastage and remove supply chain inefficiencies.’
