HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is transforming the shipbuilding industry with cutting-edge 3D printing technology for onboard emergency maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). This innovation represents a significant step forward in the digitalization of maritime operations.
On Monday, the company successfully demonstrated its “3D Printing Convergence Technology for In-Vessel Maintenance Parts Manufacturing” at HD Hyundai Samho in Mokpo, a subsidiary of its shipbuilding division.
Backed by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy in 2023, the project brings together a consortium that includes Ulsan Metropolitan City, CS CAM, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HMM, and Korea Register (KR).
The initiative, which aims to develop and validate a 3D printing system capable of producing MRO parts directly onboard vessels, is scheduled to be completed by December 2025.
This technology has the potential to transform maritime logistics. Large vessels must carry extensive spare part inventories to address unexpected issues. With onboard 3D printing, crews can manufacture essential components on demand, reducing inventory costs and minimizing downtime.
The recent demonstration showcased the system’s capabilities and validated critical stabilization technologies designed to counteract ship motion and vibration, ensuring precision printing even in challenging maritime conditions.
Looking ahead, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries plans to commercialize the technology by creating a digital parts library and establishing a network connecting ports and vessels for remote ordering and local production.
Additionally, the company is collaborating with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering to develop specialized materials like carbon steel powder, which will expand the range of printable parts while lowering costs.
The company spokesperson emphasized that this breakthrough confirms the game-changing potential of 3D printing in shipbuilding, stating, “We’re committed to driving innovation in vessel MRO through ongoing R&D.”
Notably, in May last year, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries became the first company worldwide to receive Stage 2 New Technology Usage Suitability Certification (NTQ) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its onboard 3D printing system.
