Conceptual illustration of onboard maintenance using 3D printing
(Image courtesy of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries)
ULSAN, South Korea, March 17 (Korea Bizwire) — HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has developed the world’s first 3D printing technology for emergency maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) on operating vessels, the company announced Monday.
The company successfully completed final testing and demonstrations of the “3D Printing Digital Workshop” at HD Hyundai Samho in Mokpo, South Korea. The system allows ships to produce spare parts on demand while at sea, potentially revolutionizing vessel maintenance by reducing reliance on pre-stocked inventory and external suppliers.
Breakthrough in Maritime 3D Printing
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries launched the project in 2023 with support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, in collaboration with the Ulsan Metropolitan Government, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, CSKAM, HMM, and Korean Register (KR). The initiative aims to finalize the system by December 2025 and establish a fully operational 3D printing framework for ships at sea.
Currently, long-haul vessels must carry extensive spare parts to prepare for unexpected breakdowns. However, with onboard 3D printing, ships will be able to manufacture necessary components immediately, cutting logistics costs and reducing downtime.
The latest trials also validated motion and vibration reduction technology, ensuring 3D printers remain stable despite continuous movement at sea—a critical advancement for real-world deployment.
3D Printing Digital Workshop(Image courtesy of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries)
Path to Commercialization
Following the successful testing phase, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries plans to commercialize the technology by:
- Expanding a digital parts library to cover a wider range of ship components.
- Developing a port-to-ship networking system, enabling remote part orders and efficient supply from nearby ports.
- Advancing material innovation in partnership with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, including ship-grade carbon steel powders for 3D printing.
These advancements are expected to broaden the range of printable parts and lower production costs, accelerating the adoption of 3D printing in shipbuilding and maintenance.
Global Recognition
In May 2024, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries became the first company worldwide to receive New Technology Qualification (NTQ) Stage 2 certification from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its onboard 3D printing-based rapid MRO system.
“This milestone demonstrates the competitiveness of 3D printing technology in shipbuilding,” an HD Hyundai Heavy Industries spokesperson said. “We will continue to lead innovation in ship MRO through sustained research and development.”
As HD Hyundai Heavy Industries moves toward full-scale deployment, its 3D printing technology is set to transform maritime operations, offering unprecedented efficiency and cost savings in global shipping.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
