After a test on an oil tanker, ABS authorizes 3D printed spare parts.
Through a cooperative development effort,
ABS, ConocoPhillips Polar Tankers,
Sembcorp Marine Ltd and 3D Metalforge have taken a crucial step toward making additive manufacturing (AM),
often known as 3D printing, a reality in the marine industry.
AM-fabricated parts that were put on an oil ship six months ago were found to be in good functioning order.
The manufacturing and lab testing of functioning additive manufactured parts,
which were then installed onboard the oil tanker Polar Endeavour,
kicked off this groundbreaking AM project in February 2021.
After six months of operation, the vessel’s crew has collected and inspected all sections,
followed by an ABS remote survey.
“We are delighted with the performance
of the parts and the successful completion of the project,”
said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering and Technology.
It’s a huge step forward for a technology that will undoubtedly play a significant role in the marine industry’s future.
Innovation Driven Efficiency
ABS is committed to ensuring the introduction of these parts
without jeopardizing safety.”
The production of components by layering
material is known as additive manufacturing
or 3D printing.
It means that products and components can be manufactured
locally or onboard ships and offshore assets
, reducing the supply chain and lead times for specialized and complex parts
while also introducing new efficiencies driven by design innovation, reduced manufacturing time, and improved parts availability.
Casting or forging procedures
are utilized to make traditional parts
needed in shipbuilding and maintenance.
For this project, the consortium used additive manufacturing to create three types of parts that meet or even exceed the quality of conventionally manufactured products.
After successful onboard testing on an oil tanker, ABS has authorized these additive produced spare parts.
A match Made In 3D
“The enhanced performance of these parts in service is a credit to
the rigorous engineering,
manufacturing, and post-production testing put in place by the team participating in this endeavour,”
said Obert Noyer, ConocoPhillips Polar Tankers Engineering Superintendent.
We look forward to future possibilities to use this technology to help our vessels.”
“The success of this study augurs well for the adoption of AM in the marine industry,”
stated Simon Kuik, Sembcorp Marine’s Head of Research & Development.
Sembcorp Marine can personalize products for our clients, reduce material waste, and eliminate supply chain inefficiencies via additive manufacturing.
This strengthens our value proposition as a one-stop-shop for creative solutions in the offshore,
marine, and energy industries, as well as our commitment to sustainability.”
“We are proud to work as a trusted partner with companies like ABS, Sembcorp Marine, and ConocoPhillips Polar Tankers to provide greater value through new and innovative manufacturing solutions, and to help meet changing component manufacturing, supply chain, and sustainability challenges,”
Matthew Waterhouse, 3D Metalforge’s Managing Director, added.
The inspection and certification of these additively made components confirm our confidence in the technology and its application.
Additive Manufacturing’s commercial uses and acceptance will grow as a result of this exposure to its potential.”
