Maritime and offshore industry spare parts will now be delivered more efficiently, saving cost and time, through the use of additive manufacturing. Officially launching at the NAMIC conference in Singapore, thyssenkrupp and Wilhelmsen have formed a joint venture company, Pelagus 3D, marking the entry of a major new player into the global maritime and offshore services market.

Pelagus 3D is envisioned as the largest one-stop, on-demand digital manufacturing partner for the maritime and offshore industries. It uses AM technologies to deliver maritime spare parts more efficiently
in terms of time and cost, allowing customers to ensure their vessels’ seaworthiness and keep their operations
moving on schedule.

Solid industry owners

The new company brings with it the storied history and capabilities of its founders. thyssenkrupp contributes with technological expertise in additive manufacturing as well as capabilities from its own Tech Centers in
Singapore and Germany can supply 3D printed metal products for application in shipping and other industries. thyssenKrupp Materials Services, the company’s materials distribution and service provider, further adds deep knowledge in the development of digital supply chain solutions and platforms.

Wilhelmsen brings in-depth maritime expertise and direct ongoing experience in understanding the needs of vessel fleet managers, supporting the delivery of a wide portfolio of maritime products and services for more than half of the global merchant fleet.

Pelagus 3D hosts a highly secure digital platform that serves as the main connection between customers such as vessel managers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). As a one-stop platform for maritime and offshore spare parts, Pelagus 3D has access to the different printing technologies used by its network of partners around the world, allowing Pelagus 3D to respond to requests to print any material. Bringing together both highly specialized engineering capabilities as well as a strong maritime and offshore network, Pelagus 3D elevates this digital storefront for customers, ensuring that this ecosystem can deliver their needs more cost-efficiently.

Experienced management and board

thyssenkrupp and Wilhelmsen will have equal ownership of Pelagus, with both companies taking a 50% stake in the newly formed company. The Board of Directors consists of industry leaders who can bring skills and experience to aid the company in navigating challenges and opportunities ahead. The BOD includes Kjell Andre Engen, the Chief Executive Officer and President of Wilhelmsen Ships Service; Nakul Malhotra, Vice President of the Emerging Opportunities Portfolio of Wilhelmsen Maritime Services; Dr. Cetin Nazikkol, Chief Transformation Officer of thyssenkrupp; and Dr. Sebastian Smerat, Head of Customer Innovation and Chief Operating Officer of Digital Services of thyssenkrupp Materials Services.

Speaking for Pelagus 3D, Kenlip Ong, Head of TechCenter Additive Manufacturing at thyssenkrupp in Singapore, as CEO, and Håkon Ellekjær, Head of Ventures for 3D Printing at Wilhelmsen, as CCO, jointly expressed optimism towards this new joint venture.

“By enabling faster access to critical marine parts and solutions, Pelagus 3D plays a vital role in enabling global trade and transportation via our seas. Pelagus 3D is focused on helping the industry continue to connect and grow,” said Kenlip Ong.
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“Pelagus 3D is built on a strong foundation of unparalleled engineering expertise and maritime experience, and we believe that it will continue both thyssenkrupp and Wilhelmsen’s commitment to elevating businesses through innovative solutions that help strengthen their operations and service delivery,” commented Håkon Ellekjær.

Pivotal industry entry

The debut of Pelagus 3D will help usher in the acceleration of the adoption of additive manufacturing technologies which will support further growth for the global AM industry. “Beyond addressing perennial pain points in the maritime and offshore sectors such as obsolescence and long lead times for mission-critical parts with on-demand production, Pelagus 3D is well-positioned to address similar needs in other industry sectors, improving customer experience with added supply chain resilience, lowering material waste
and inventory cost, contributing to environmental and sustainability goals,” added Dr Ho, Chief Executive Officer, National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC).

The entry of Pelagus 3D also underscores the positive steps the maritime industry has been making towards digital transformation. Singapore, for example, leverages on technology to enhance the sector’s operations such as establishing a digital clearing process as well as port systems.

“Additive Manufacturing (AM) supports Singapore’s ambition to be the leading maritime hub. In the maritime sector, AM can help unlock tremendous efficiency potentials with its fast and low-volume high-value fabrication capability of equipment component parts on-demand. This agility ensures responsive support to meet the needs by ships and ports for urgent and critical spares. MPA welcomes the establishment of Pelagus 3D in Singapore and the business opportunities it will bring along, including new and exciting jobs. We look forward to working together, along with our research agencies, to further AM innovation and accelerate adoption”, concluded Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive (Industry & Transformation), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).