ABS and Pelagus 3D partner to advance AM for maritime spare parts

ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) and Pelagus 3D Pte. Ltd., a joint venture company of thyssenkrupp and Wilhelmsen, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance the technologies and adoption of on-demand additive manufacturing (AM) of marine and offshore spare parts.

ABS is a leading global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries. The company focuses on safe and practical application of advanced technologies and digital solutions, working with clients to develop accurate and cost-effective compliance, optimized performance and operational efficiency for marine and offshore assets.

During a three-year term, ABS and Pelagus 3D will collaborate on a variety of initiatives including the incorporation of ABS testing requirements through the Pelagus Platform for AM parts. This project will also support the continued development of industry guidelines and standards for AM, including qualification of global AM manufacturers and streamlining of certification for AM parts.

“AM technologies have the potential to streamline supply chains and simplify procurement and maintenance schedules, minimizing delay and reducing costs. ABS is committed to supporting continued innovation in the development of AM technologies through industry-leading projects, such as this one with Pelagus 3D, and through our approval and certification process, while maintaining our focus on quality and safety,” said Gareth Burton, ABS Vice President of Technology.

The MOU was signed in Singapore during the ABS Technology Forum: Enabling Electrification and Model-based Approaches, a conference connecting key stakeholders across the maritime value chain. Attendees from manufacturing, government and academia joined ABS to identify areas for future collaboration and research projects.

“At Pelagus 3D, we believe in pushing the boundaries of innovation to create a more resilient and efficient spare parts supply chain. The MOU signing with ABS marks a pivotal milestone for the growth of the AM spare parts supply chain. We look forward to working together with ABS to enhance testing capabilities that will ensure seamless integration and accelerate adoption of AM in the maritime and offshore industry,” said Kenlip Ong, Pelagus 3D Chief Executive Officer.

ABS has been involved in a range of industry-leading AM initiatives, including a joint development project focused on functional AM parts on board an oil tanker. The company also provides a Guide for Additive Manufacturing that defines a procedure for qualifying additive manufactured parts, as well as the processes and systems used to create them, including powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition.

The Guide defines the ABS approval and certification process for additive manufacturing facilities and parts by providing standards for additive manufacturing design, feedstock material, building processes, inspection and testing. Central to the Guide is a methodology that helps part design owners and manufacturers improve overall process definition, thereby driving repeatable and reliable results. In developing the Guide, ABS recognized the importance of flexibility in additive manufacturing and outlined a process that allows for swift changes and alterations without affecting the ultimate quality.