Wilhelmsen has partnered with Ivaldi Group to deploy an additive manufacturing facility in the Wilhelmsen Ships Service’ facilities in Singapore. The local micro factory capable of on-demand production provides 3D printed parts to select partners as part of their early adopters program in a port that sees more than 100 vessel visits a day.
“Looking at the costs associated with our marine products sales, the supply chain costs are frequently at least as large as the Cost of Goods Sold.” says Kjell Andre Engen, Executive Vice President of Marine Products, Wilhelmsen Ships Service, “Additive manufacturing with a technology partner like Ivaldi will enable us to reduce costs and environmental footprint while also increasing our service capabilities to serve our customers”.
Wilhelmsen and Ivaldi see a clear opportunity to leverage existing infrastructure and new technology to revolutionize the current supply chain. One of the first customer partners of this joint programme is Berge Bulk. Sim Teck Siang, Procurement Manager, Berge Bulk, said: “Long lead times, limited parts availability and extensive logistics are some of the challenges faced by the maritime spare parts industry. Operating and managing over 50 vessels, we require spare parts to be customized and delivered to our vessels efficiently and in a short amount of time. The advancement of 3D printing technology, and its capabilities of using a diverse range of materials to produce the parts we require, is impressive. We look forward to explore 3D printing's increasing versatility in the customization of design and production of parts on demand via this joint programme.”
The maritime industry has aging fleets and equipment in use for over 10 years, resulting in high demand for spare parts that are not always carried by the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). The supply chain getting the parts to the vessel on time, no matter where in the world, is another pain-point ships management agencies are facing.
About Wilhelmsen
With the largest maritime network in the world, Wilhelmsen Ships Service is the maritime industry’s trusted partner in port, on board and offshore. Active in 2,000 ports, in 125 countries worldwide, Wilhelmsen portfolio is available in every market and region, to every conceivable vessel type.
Supplying marine solutions including the Unitor brand of products, Timm ropes, Unicool refrigerants, and Unitor and Nalfleet marine chemicals, last year, Wilhelmsen made product deliveries to 27,500 vessels.
About Ivaldi Group
Ivaldi Group leverages cutting edge additive manufacturing and metal fabrication solutions to provide in-port parts on demand services for the maritime, construction and offshore industries. Drawing on a breadth of additive manufacturing industry experience, Ivaldi Group works across a range of stakeholders to digitize product portfolios and improve cost, risk and delivery times for all parties.