MPA establishes world’s first on-site additive manufacturing

The facility, to be built at Pasir Panjang Terminal, will feature state-of-the-art printers and use a maritime digital cloud supported by blockchain technology for increased security of file transfers.

The additive manufacturing (AM) rapid production facility will be located at Pasir Panjang Terminal. This is where PSA is testing port technologies for current and future terminals. Additionally, it will feature printers capable of producing AM parts for port equipment.
The facility will also use a specialised maritime digital cloud supported by blockchain technology for more secure file transfers.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) signed two MoU at the recent 6th Global AM Summit.

An MoU with PSA Corporation Limited (PSA), the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC) and 3D MetalForge to establish the world’s first on-site AM production facility for port
applications
An MoU with NAMIC and the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) to collaborate on an AM Joint Industry Programme (JIP) for marine parts

Additive manufacturing for port applications

The facility’s location also leverages PSA’s parts supplier base and facility operations to support just-in-time inventory.
This move towards digitised inventories reduces the need to hold excess inventory. Moreover, it lowers storage costs, while shortening turnaround time from weeks to days due to improved availability of spare parts.
In the long run, PSA will expand the scope of these services to the wider maritime industry. This will include ship owners to help build its business adjacencies.

Additive manufacturing for marine parts

The JIP is focused on establishing the commercial viability, technical feasibility and regulatory compliance behind the use of AM for marine parts, and will bring together a comprehensive ecosystem of partners from across the value chain.
This collaboration will strengthen Singapore’s role as a hub for ship supplies. Also, it will provide the maritime industry with clarity on the challenges, opportunities and potential test cases for deploying AM for marine parts.
Steen Brodsgaard Lund, councillor and chairman of Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) Technical Committee, said, “SSA is excited to work with MPA to provide a platform that connects ship owners and managers with the cutting-edge innovation cluster, NAMIC, to leverage digital technology in Additive Manufacturing of marine parts. This MoU represents SSA’s continuous efforts in embracing new technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency in the maritime industry.”