Electric 3D printed ferry en route to Paris

Originally planned for earlier this year, the 3D printed autonomous electric ferry from Roboat is now on its way to the Seine River in Paris. Developed through a collaboration between Holland Shipyards Group, Roboat and Sequana Développement, and printed via system integrator Bloom Robotics, it was slated to reach Paris in time for the Summer Olympics. Nevertheless, after winning a national competition organized by the French inland waterway authority, Voies Navigables de France, the project will strive to emphasize environmental consciousness and urban mobility innovation.

The ferry is a marvel of modern engineering. Measuring 9 by 3.9 meters, it is the largest 3D printed autonomous ferry ever constructed. Its hull, created from recycled materials, represents a breakthrough in sustainable shipbuilding, while its electric propulsion ensures a zero-emissions operation. Equipped with an advanced autonomy system, the ferry is designed to operate without human intervention, and its docking and charging processes are fully automated.

Positioned strategically to meet the mobility needs of athletes and visitors, the ferry will highlight the city’s commitment to clean, efficient, and innovative transport solutions. By making use of its iconic waterways, Paris offers a glimpse of how urban centers can combat congestion, reduce emissions, and address the rising demand for sustainable transit options.

This project aligns with global trends in urban mobility, as cities worldwide grapple with increasing congestion and pollution. Autonomous ferries present an innovative solution, allowing for the efficient use of waterways while reducing the environmental footprint of city transit systems. Roboat’s CEO, Ynse Deinema, underscored the potential impact of these ferries, stating, “Autonomous ferries will create new connections over existing waterways in cities worldwide.”

The robotic LFAM 3D printing techniques used in this project have e already been used for maritime projects however these were mostly experimental and – besides one exception – not as large. This particular project also demonstrated the potential of recycled materials in large-scale manufacturing. Leendert Hoogendoorn, director of Holland Shipyards Group, praised the technology’s transformative potential, noting that it opens an exciting new chapter in the maritime industry.

After rigorous testing, the ferry is now ready to embark on its journey to Paris. Roboat recently announced its excitement for the project’s completion, calling it a milestone in sustainable urban transport. “This unique vessel offers a streamlined and eco-friendly solution for efficient urban transport,” the company shared.