Singapore Launches Marine 3D-Printing Project

Class society ABS is leading a project in Singapore to promote the use of additive manufacturing (AM) in the maritime industry. The goal of the project is to create a "model-based qualification framework" that will simplify the approval process for AM parts, making it quicker and more cost-effective compared to traditional testing methods. This initiative aims to make AM more appealing to boatbuilders.

ABS is collaborating with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) and Mencast Marine, with support from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). ASTAR’s Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) will develop data-driven models to predict potential defects in AM parts, while Mencast will provide real-world cases to validate these models. Mencast has previously worked with ABS on Singapore’s first class-approved 3D-printed propeller.

Kenneth Lim, MPA’s assistant chief executive for industry and transformation, believes that this project will help Singapore’s marine sector expand its AM capabilities, enhancing the city-state’s reputation as a hub for maritime innovation. According to Next Move Strategy Consulting, Singapore’s AM market was valued at US$30.8 million in 2022 and is expected to exceed US$201 million by 2030, encompassing industries like aerospace, construction, medical, and manufacturing.

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