Maarten Logtenberg, co-founder of CEAD, is ready to make waves in the maritime sector with large-format 3D printing technology. CEAD, which runs a large production facility in Delft, has grabbed headlines with its custom-made, almost 40-meter (131-foot) 3D printer. This new, high-tech machine recently completed the world’s first full-size, 8-meter-long boat hull using this method—an incredible breakthrough for boat production methods.
Giant’s state-of-the-art 3D printer builds the boat hull one layer at a time. Logtenberg is convinced this method can completely change the shipbuilding industry. He stands proudly next to the black, upturned hull of a boat in his factory, a testament to the capabilities of this advanced technology. Logtenberg is nothing short of convinced that 3D printing is going to revolutionize the maritime sector. It reduces costs by streamlining production processes and improving flexibility in manufacturing.
CEAD continued to wow the industry with amazing recent success, specialty-printing an electric ferry on-demand for a customer in Abu Dhabi. In addition, they created a prototype 12-meter fast boat for the Dutch Navy. “Building a 12-meter boat, I never expected that a year ago,” Logtenberg remarked, highlighting the rapid progress his team has made. At first glance, this prototype looks like a standard Rigid Inflatables Boat (RIB). It represents the potential of 3D-printing to help create vessels that are fit for specific purposes.
Logtenberg and his teammates have automated close to 90% of the boat-building process, cutting it the production time significantly. “Normally it takes weeks to build a hull. We print one now every week,” he explained. This efficiency doesn’t just speed up production, it streamlines logistics. For one thing, you need to bring your base materials in giant bags. This technique affords a much greater cost efficiency than relocating finished vessels.
Logtenberg is the first to admit that it will take time for the industry to see a fully 3D-printed ship. He stated, “Traditional shipbuilding is done in modules. It’s going to take maybe a decade or two before we are going to completely print [a ship’s hull], because there will be more need of material research.” He spoke to the continued development of thermal plastics and the need to scale up machinery as larger markets develop.
After one year of testing with engineers and entrepreneurs, CEAD has successfully run its Marine Application Centre in Delft. Overall, Logtenberg is optimistic about the prospects for 3D-printed boats. Yet, as he points out, while the technology is ready, market acceptance is necessary for market adoption at scale. “3D printed boats still need to be accepted by the market,” he noted. The first hesitance from consumers is due to the newness of the technology.
Joyce Pont, another CEAD colleague of Logtenberg’s, provided context about how markets operate. “Consumers are hesitant because of the novelty, but the rental market is really keen,” she said. Her point of view is in line with Logtenberg’s conviction. For fast-driving vessels, from workboats to speed boats, he predicts a greater percentage will be 3D-printed within five years. “I’m convinced that in five years from now, 3D printed boats will take over the market for the fast-driving boat,” Pont asserted.
Logtenberg admits that many 3D printing use cases have missed the mark due to competitiveness challenges. Though he’s disappointed, he’s still optimistic about where CEAD is headed. “There are many applications that didn’t succeed because it was not competitive enough, but there are a few where it actually happened and is being used,” he explained.
As CEAD continues to innovate in 3D printing technology for maritime applications, it sets a precedent for future developments in the industry. This unique fusion of on-demand production speed, capabilities and ultra-flexibility makes CEAD a key player in revolutionizing the production of boats. Logtenberg’s enthusiasm for the future comes through in his ambitious vision for the company. To achieve his vision, he plans to keep expanding production and scaling his technology.