3D-printed Venturi component reduces flow resistance on LNG vessels

A comparatively small component can produce measurable effects in shipbuilding when used in the right place. This is demonstrated by a project from the London-based service provider 3D People, which manufactured a key component for a passive air lubrication system for Armada Technologies. The system is installed beneath the hull of LNG tankers and is designed to reduce hydrodynamic drag.

Technically, the concept is based on the controlled release of microbubbles along the underside of the hull. This layer of air reduces friction between the vessel and the water, thereby lowering fuel consumption. Unlike conventional solutions, the system does not rely on energy-intensive compressors, instead using the ship’s forward motion to draw in air via a Venturi ejector. It was precisely this ejector that posed manufacturing challenges, as it must combine complex internal channels, uniform surfaces, and resistance to seawater and pressure fluctuations.

“3D People stood out immediately,” said Armada COO Roger Armson. “They understood the complexity of the part, grasped our technical needs quickly, and delivered prototypes that met our stringent functional and compliance requirements.”

“We love projects where additive manufacturing isn’t just convenient, it’s transformative,” says Sasha Bruml, Co-Founder of 3D People. “Working with Armada shows how AM can unlock sustainable engineering solutions that simply wouldn’t be possible any other way.”

According to Armada, conventional manufacturing methods were unable to meet these requirements economically. The solution came from additive manufacturing. 3D People used selective laser sintering with PA12 nylon, a material known for its mechanical stability and suitability for marine environments. A subsequent vapor smoothing process optimized the surface properties for improved flow characteristics.

Co-Founder Felix Manley adds, “This is exactly where 3D People excels, complex parts for demanding environments, and customers who value engineering collaboration. Our role isn’t just to print parts, but to help solve problems.”

“As sustainable technologies scale and engineering challenges become more complex, partnerships like this show why additive manufacturing is now integral to modern industrial problem-solving,” Bruml adds. “3D People has spent years building the expertise, precision, and reliability that projects like Armada’s demand, and we will continue to be the partner innovators turn to when performance truly matters.”

For the maritime industry, the collaboration illustrates that additive manufacturing is increasingly playing a role in the implementation of more efficient, low-maintenance ship components.