Maritime and offshore industry spare parts will now be delivered more efficiently through new technology. Saving cost and time, the use of additive manufacturing or 3D printing brings a whole new way of ensuring operations keep up momentum and waiting times at a minimum. thyssenkrupp and Wilhelmsen on 29 September announced its joint venture company, Pelagus 3D, marking the entry of an exciting new player into global maritime and offshore services market. Pelagus 3D envisions to be the largest one-stop, on-demand digital manufacturing partner for the maritime and offshore industries. It uses Additive Manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing to deliver maritime spare parts more efficiently in terms of time and cost, allowing customers to ensure their vessels’ seaworthiness and keep their operations moving on schedule.
Strong industry owners
The new company brings with it the storied history and capabilities of its founders. thyssenkrupp contributes, on the one hand, its technological expertise in additive manufacturing as well as capabilities from its own Tech Centers in Singapore and Germany to supply 3D metal products for application in shipping and other industries. thyssenkrupp Materials Services, the company’s materials distribution and service provider, further adds deep knowledge in the development of digital supply chain solutions and platforms.
Wilhelmsen, on the other hand, brings its in-depth maritime expertise and direct ongoing experience in understanding the needs of vessel fleet managers, supporting the delivery of a wide portfolio of maritime products and services for more than half of the global merchant fleet.
Pelagus 3D hosts a highly secure digital platform that serves as the main connection between customers such as vessel managers and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). As a one-stop platform for maritime and offshore spare parts, Pelagus 3D has access to the different printing technologies used by its network of partners around the world, allowing Pelagus 3D to respond to requests to print any material. Bringing together both highly specialised engineering capabilities as well as a strong maritime and offshore network, Pelagus 3D elevates this digital storefront for customers, ensuring that this ecosystem can timely deliver their needs more cost efficiently.
Experienced management and board
thyssenkrupp and Wilhelmsen will have equal ownership of Pelagus, with both companies having 50% stake of the newly formed company. Its Board of Directors consists of industry leaders who bring invaluable skills and experience to aid the company navigate challenges and opportunities ahead. The BOD includes Kjell Andre Engen, the Chief Executive Officer and President of Wilhelmsen Ships Service; Nakul Malhotra, Vice President of Emerging Opportunities Portfolio of Wilhelmsen Maritime Services; Dr. Cetin Nazikkol, Chief Transformation Officer of thyssenkrupp; and Dr.. Sebastian Smerat, Head of Customer Innovation and Chief Operating Officer of Digital Services of thyssenkrupp Materials Services.
Speaking for Pelagus 3D, Kenlip Ong, Head of TechCenter Additive Manufacturing at thyssenkrupp in Singapore, as CEO, and Håkon Ellekjær, Head of Ventures for 3D Printing at Wilhelmsen, as CCO, jointly expressed optimism towards this new joint venture.
“By enabling faster access to critical marine parts and solutions, Pelagus 3D plays a vital role in enabling global trade and transportation via our seas. Pelagus 3D is focused on helping the industry continue to connect and grow,” says Kenlip Ong.
“Pelagus 3D is built on a strong foundation of unparalleled engineering expertise and maritime experience, and we believe that it will continue both thyssenkrupp and Wilhelmsen’s commitment to elevating businesses through innovative solutions that help strengthen their operations and service delivery,” says Håkon Ellekjær.
Pivotal industry entry
The debut of Pelagus 3D will help usher the acceleration of adoption of additive manufacturing technologies which will usher further growth for the industry.
“Beyond addressing perennial pain-points in the maritime and offshore sectors such as obsolescence and long lead-times for mission-critical parts with on-demand production, Pelagus 3D is well positioned to address similar needs in other industry sectors, improving customer experience with added supply chain resilience, lowering material waste and inventory cost, contributing to environmental and sustainability goals,” added Dr Ho, Chief Executive Officer, National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC).
The entry of Pelagus 3D also underscores the positive steps the maritime industry has been making towards digital transformation. Singapore, for example, leverages on technology to enhance the sector’s operations such as establishing a digital clearing process as well as port systems.
“Additive Manufacturing (AM) supports Singapore’s ambition to be the leading maritime hub. In the maritime sector, AM can help unlock tremendous efficiency potentials with its fast and low-volume high-value fabrication capability of equipment component parts on-demand. This agility ensures responsive support to meet the needs by ships and ports for urgent and critical spares. MPA welcomes the establishment of Pelagus 3D in Singapore and the business opportunities it will bring along, including new and exciting jobs. We look forward to working together, along with our research agencies, to further AM innovation and accelerate adoption”, said Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive (Industry & Transformation), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
About Pelagus 3D:
Pelagus 3D is an on-demand digital manufacturing partner for the maritime and offshore industry. A joint venture company of thyssenkrupp and Wilhelmsen, Pelagus 3D leverages on additive manufacturing to ensure the availability of on-demand spare parts. With our incomparable ecosystem of global partners, a secured digital Pelagus platform, and 3D design expertise, Pelagus 3D is focused on helping customers ensure connectivity and continuity in operations without interruption. Know more about Pelagus 3D at Pelagus.com.
About thyssenkrupp:
thyssenkrupp is an international industrial and technology company employing around 96,000 people. Across 48 countries it generated sales of €41 billion in fiscal 2021/2022. Its business activities have been bundled in six segments: Materials Services, Industrial Components, Automotive Technology, Steel Europe, Marine Systems, and Multi Tracks. Backed by extensive technological know-how, the businesses develop cost-effective and resource-friendly solutions to the challenges of the future.
thyssenkrupp Materials Services is the biggest mill-independent materials distributor and service provider in the Western world with around 380 locations – including around 260 warehouse sites – in more than 30 countries. The versatile range of services offered by the materials experts allows customers to focus even more strongly on their individual core businesses. As part of its strategic further development “Materials as a Service” the company is focusing on the supply of raw materials and materials as well as products and services in the area of supply chain management. Digital solutions ensure efficient and resource-saving processes for customers and thus provide the basis for sustainable action. From 2030 Materials Services will operate on a climate-neutral basis.
About Wilhelmsen:
Founded in Norway in 1861, Wilhelmsen is now a comprehensive global maritime group providing essential products and services to the merchant fleet, along with supplying crew and technical management to the largest and most complex vessels ever to sail. Committed to shaping the maritime industry, we’re also developing new opportunities and collaborations in renewables, zero-emission shipping, and marine digitalisation. Supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace, with thousands of colleagues across more than 2000 locations, we take innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled customer experiences one step further.
Press contact:
Elaine Toh
Marketing and Communications Manager
Pelagus 3D
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