DEEP Manufacturing awarded DNV approval in principle for large-scale AM pressure vessels for human occupancy
February 13, 2025
DEEP Manufacturing Limited (DML), a large-scale component parts manufacturer headquartered in Bristol, UK, has secured DNV approval in principle (AiP) for its use of Wire Arc Directed Energy Deposition (DED) Additive Manufacturing in the production of steel pressure vessels for human occupancy.
Launched in January 2025, following a period of extensive research and development, DEEP Manufacturing has harnessed technology to drive speed, scale, and quality to improve commercial resilience and support growth in the supply chain.
The company has developed manufacturing techniques that bolster supply chain resilience. With twenty Wire Arc DED machines at its Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence in Avonmouth, UK, DEEP Manufacturing operates one of the largest concentrations of Wire Arc DED machines globally.
Each individual robotic machine can produce metallic parts up to three metres in diameter, while the six-arm synchronised configuration supports the production of parts with volumes up to 6.1 metres in diameter and 3.2 metres in height.
Initially developed as a solution to the underwater pressure vessel manufacturing requirements of DEEP, the ocean technology and exploration company, the business has the capability and capacity to offer its rapid production timelines and expertise in large-format metal Additive Manufacturing to projects in the offshore, maritime and energy industries.
The company is now in the final stages of the audit process to obtain DNV approval to produce pressure vessels for human occupancy.
Peter Richards, Chief Executive Officer, DEEP Manufacturing, stated, “Achieving DNV approval in principle for our manufacturing processes demonstrates our commitment to high standards and uncompromising quality. Partnering with DEEP Manufacturing provides customers with the rapid delivery of long-term cost-effective subsea manufacturing solutions, driven by superior quality.”
“We are the only company in Europe with this AiP, and we are already in the process of working towards final DNV approval for the production of steel pressure vessels. Our combined subsea engineering resources, knowledge and experience across DEEP means we can deliver manufacturing projects at an unprecedented scale, faster and at lower life of project costs compared to traditional manufacturing processes,” continued Richards.
“Using DEEP Manufacturing’s Additive Manufacturing process allows companies to stay ahead of the game in their subsea projects. Additive Manufacturing is the fast, safe solution to manufacturing large-scale, complex metal parts.”
“If subsea companies are still relying on traditional forge and casting methods, they risk falling behind. There is a need for a mindset shift toward innovation and proactive measures to enhance industry-wide resilience. As we move forward, we want to support our customers to embrace innovation and build more adaptable, resilient operations. This is a tipping point for our industry, and it is time to fully leverage the benefits that Additive Manufacturing offers,” Richards concluded.
Dr Eva Junghans, Senior Principal Engineer, and Practice Lead for Materials & Welding, Additive Manufacturing at DNV Maritime, added, “It is a great pleasure to award DML this AiP and is another step forward in utilising Additive Manufacturing at the cutting edge of the maritime industry. This AiP shows that DML has demonstrated the feasibility of AM in the manufacture of large-scale components that can fulfil maritime quality standards – further expanding the potential uses of AM for our industry.”
Thorsten Lohmann, Head of the Materials & Welding Section at DNV Maritime, said, “At DNV we have been working with manufacturers on safely realising the unique capabilities of Additive Manufacturing for many years with our class framework, rules and guidelines. Going forward we will continue to help our customers show that AM produced parts can be accepted under the class regime, driving progress and acceptance of this exciting technology.”
An Approval in Principle is an independent assessment of a concept within an agreed framework, confirming that the design is feasible and no significant obstacles exist to prevent the concept from being realised.
