CEAD B.V., based in Delft, Netherlands, has launched the Maritime Application Center (MAC), aimed at promoting automated and sustainable production in the maritime sector. This 2,300-square-meter facility will serve as an innovation hub for advanced manufacturing and material development, focusing on the complexities of boatbuilding. The MAC seeks to support shipbuilders who are not yet ready for large-scale 3D printing by providing production capacity and accelerating the adoption of this technology through collaboration with industry partners.
The MAC is designed to demonstrate a future boat factory model, capable of producing over 100 boats annually with minimal operators. This approach aims to address traditional shipbuilding challenges, such as reliance on skilled labor and outdated infrastructure, while also meeting the International Maritime Organization’s targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. CEAD believes that large-scale 3D printing can streamline production, lower costs, and adapt to market demands more effectively.
CEAD’s commitment to research and development has led to the creation of specialized systems for 3D printing boat hulls. The MAC will also facilitate partnerships to explore design, material development, and process optimization in maritime manufacturing. With its official opening scheduled for June 20, 2025, CEAD invites maritime professionals to engage with this innovative initiative.
