Is It Time for the Maritime Industry to Embrace 3d Printed Spare Parts?

Abstract

New technology comes with benefits for companies that choose to adopt. Additive manufacturing (AM) or 3d printing as it is commonly known has been already implemented in various sectors (industrial and consumer products, medical, automotive, aerospace, etc.). The shipping industry is characterized as conservative to changes. As AM is starting to consolidate in the industry, can offer lessons guiding changes. Application in industries with similar to shipping characteristics (industries with moving assets), reveals the potential of applying it in the shipping industry. The availability of spare parts is important for the vessel maintenance. Additive manufacturing could shorten the space parts supply chain in the maritime industry, since the part could be made near the place it is needed.