As part of a joint pilot project, Damen Compact Crafts (DCCr) and the Dutch company CEAD are exploring the use of large-format additive manufacturing in the maritime sector. The goal is to build a functional workboat made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) using 3D printing. The project is taking place at CEAD’s Maritime Application Center (MAC) in Delft and aims to evaluate both the technical and economic potential of this manufacturing approach for shipbuilding.
The so-called HDPE Workboat (HWB) is designed as a multifunctional vessel, suitable for various operations such as inspections, support missions, logistics, and patrol tasks. The additive manufacturing approach not only enables greater geometric design freedom, but also opens the possibility of using recycled materials. The project is intended to demonstrate whether 3D printing technologies can support more sustainable and flexible production processes.
CEAD is contributing its expertise in large-format 3D printing, particularly in the field of fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. The HDPro material technology used allows for the printing of robust structures with high material efficiency.
“This collaboration demonstrates how technology can directly contribute to practical solutions in the maritime sector,” said Charlene van Wingerden, Chief Business Development Officer at CEAD. “The MAC was founded to accelerate exactly these kinds of innovations – and a 3D-printed HWB is a perfect example of that.”
“Innovation and standardisation are part of our DNA at Damen. 3D printing allows us to respond more quickly and flexibly to what our customers really need. It’s an exciting step toward smart, sustainable solutions that work,” said Nick Pruissen, Managing Director at Damen Compact Crafts.
With the HWB project, both companies aim to establish additive manufacturing as a complementary production method in shipbuilding. In the long term, this could not only shorten development cycles but also introduce new approaches to circular economy practices in the maritime sector. Printing the first hull marks an initial step toward the industrial implementation of large-format 3D printing technologies in shipbuilding.
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