Wilhelmsen’s Marine Products division has signed a letter of intent with thyssenkrupp to set up a 3D printing joint venture aimed at providing 3D printed spare parts to the maritime industry.
The venture, expected to be headquartered in Singapore, will combine thyssenkrupp’s existing expertise in additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, with Wilhelmsen’s maritime service and supply experience, particularly in relation to the 3DP Early Adopter Programme Wilhelmsen launched in late 2019.
That programme provided a select group of customers, including Berge Bulk, Carnival Maritime, Thome Ship Management, OSM Maritime Group, Executive Ship Management and Wilhelmsen Ship Management, with access to on-demand additive manufacturing as an early trial of the potential of these services.
“We are very excited to enter the next phase of our 3D printing journey, hand in hand with thyssenkrupp,” said Hakon Ellekjaer, Head of Venture, 3D Printing, Wilhelmsen.
“With this joint venture we believe we will take the lead as the de-facto supplier of 3D printed maritime spare parts, continuing to bring the benefits of AM (additive manufacturing) technology to shipping companies by reducing the cost of spare parts, lead times and environmental footprint.”
