ABS and HHI team up to provide for the onboard manufacture of repair parts of ships at sea
ABS and HHI have teamed up to supply onboard manufactured repair parts (Source: ABS)
US-based classification society ABS and South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) have signed a joint development agreement that paves the way for the onboard manufacture of repair parts on ships at sea.
Using a digital library for the design process and 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, the consortium aims to support rapid maintenance, repair and operations on vessels while at sea, focussing on metallic parts.
Project partners include class society ABS, HHI, CScam (3D printer manufacturers) and KITECH (digital library developer).
Building on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed last year, the joint development agreement outlines a scope of work that includes, among others, the development of a framework and methodology to asses parts fabricated at sea, starting with non-class parts as a benchmark against onshore printed samples.
“This is the first time that a class society has been involved from the beginning of such research, and ABS is proud to provide guidance and our deep technological experience to this distinguished group of companies. We look forward to exploring the possibilities of additive manufacturing, which promises to support more efficient operations in the maritime industry,” said Dr Gu Hai, ABS’ Vice President, Technology.
Meanwhile, in parallel, ABS, HHI and CScam have also started New Technology Qualification (NTQ) procedures on additive manufacturing systems. So far, HHI and CScam have achieved NTQ Stage 1 and 2 from ABS, the first NTQ on additive manufacturing in South Korea.
