3D Metalforge’s AM parts successfully tested on-board oil tanker
3D Metalforge, with offices in Singapore, USA and Australia, reports that it has successfully tested additively manufactured parts on-board the ConocoPhillips Polar Tanker’s Endeavour oil tanker. The testing was undertaken as part of a multi-national project led by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), ConocoPhillips Polar Tankers, Sembcorp Marine Ltd and Metalforge.
Starting in February 2021, the project focused on additively manufactured functional marine parts which were first lab-tested and then installed on-board the oil tanker. The AM parts were in operation on the oil tanker for six months and have since been retrieved and inspected by the vessel’s crew and remotely surveyed by ABS, who validated the parts to be in good working condition.
“The success of this project augurs well for the adoption of AM in the marine industry,” stated Simon Kuik, Sembcorp Marine Head of Research & Development. “Through AM, Sembcorp Marine is able to customise parts for our customers and reduce material wastage and remove supply chain inefficiencies.”
Matthew Waterhouse, 3D Metalforge Managing Director, added, “We are proud to work as a trusted partner, with companies like ABS, Sembcorp Marine and ConocoPhillips Polar Tankers to provide greater value through new and innovative manufacturing solutions, and to help meet changing component manufacturing, supply chain and sustainability challenges. The inspection and validation of these additively manufactured components support our belief in this technology and its application. This exposure to Additive Manufacturing’s capabilities will broaden its commercial applications and acceptance in the future.”
