3D joint venture to shake up shipping procurement model

Wilhelmsen Marine Products and thyssenkrupp have signed a letter of intent signalling the start of a joint venture offering new spare part procurement methods based on additive manufacturing – 3D printing – for shipowners and operators.

The new venture will capitalise on Wilhelmsen’s 3DP Early Adopter Program, launched in December 2019, in which customers were able to access 3D-printed spares on demand. Companies that participated include Berge Bulk, Carnival Maritime, Executive Ship Management, OSM Maritime Group, Thome Ship Management and Wilhelmsen Ship Management.

“We are very excited to enter the next phase of our 3D printing journey, hand in hand with thyssenkrupp,” declared 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 additive manufacturing technology to shipping companies by reducing the cost of spare parts, lead times and environmental footprint.”

Abhinav Singhal, thyssenkrupp’s director of Innovation, commented: “We are already seeing a very positive response from our maritime customers. They are realising the benefits from faster lead times, reduced costs and having more resilience in their spare parts supply chain. This is going to be a true gamechanger for the maritime industry and we are proud to offer it alongside Wilhelmsen.”

The new operation is likely to be based in Singapore.