ABS and HHI Collaborate for Onboard 3D Printing of Repair Parts

ABS and representatives from the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) consortium have signed a joint development agreement (JDP) to enable onboard manufacturing of repair parts. This agreement sets the stage for the use of a digital library and 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), to support rapid maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) on sailing merchant vessels, focusing on metallic materials. Project partners include ABS, HHI, CScam (a 3D printer manufacturer), and KITECH (a digital library developer).

The JDP builds upon a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed last year and outlines a scope of work that includes developing a framework and methodology to assess parts fabricated at sea. ABS Vice President, Technology Gu Hai, expressed pride in providing guidance and technological expertise to this group of companies, highlighting the potential of additive manufacturing to enhance efficiency in the maritime industry. Additionally, ABS, the shipbuilder, and CScam have initiated New Technology Qualification (NTQ) procedures on additive manufacturing systems, achieving NTQ Stage 1 and 2 for HHI and CScam from ABS.

HHI’s Senior Vice President, Lee Hwan Sik, expressed excitement about working with ABS on this cutting-edge technology for manufacturing marine parts by 2025. ABS has been actively involved in various AM initiatives, including a project to manufacture and classify a 3D-printed propeller. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in exploring the possibilities of additive manufacturing in the maritime sector.

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