Adopting Additive Manufacturing in Shipbuilding: Managing the Transition to Innovative Design, Structures and Materials

The introduction of additive manufacturing (AM) in shipbuilding has the potential to revolutionise traditional production and design paradigms, offering benefits such as enhanced customisation, reduced lead times, and improved material efficiency. However, its successful adoption requires addressing operational, logistical, and regulatory challenges alongside technical considerations. This paper investigates the strategic and managerial aspects of integrating AM into ship design and production, focusing on supply chain reconfiguration, workforce upskilling, material qualification, and process standardisation. A comprehensive framework is developed to manage the transition to AM-based shipbuilding, covering key steps such as identifying suitable components for AM, conducting cost-benefit analyses, and establishing qualification and certification processes for additive-manufactured parts. Additionally, the study explores how AM can improve lifecycle management by enabling on-demand production of spare parts and reducing downtime during repairs through localised manufacturing. To provide actionable insights, a case study is simulated, analysing supply chain restructuring, component selection, lifecycle cost assessment, and quality assurance processes. The findings evaluate not only the performance of AM-produced components but also the broader logistical, economic, and regulatory implications. This study offers shipbuilders a roadmap for effectively managing the shift toward AM-enabled production, ensuring a seamless transition to this innovative technology.