Sembcorp Marine Certified 3D Printed Parts

Marine and offshore engineering group Sembcorp Marine has received a certification for its 3D printed parts[1]. The company’s construction and repair projects have been qualified by quality assurance and risk management company DNV GL[1]. As the company states in its release, the new development will allow them to unlock significant efficiencies and reduce supply chain risks in its operations[1]. This comprehensive guide explores the significance of this certification, its implications for the maritime industry, and what it means for the future of additive manufacturing in offshore applications.

Quick Answer: Sembcorp Marine’s 3D Printing Certification

Introduction: A Game-Changer for Maritime Manufacturing

The offshore and marine industry is undergoing a significant transformation, and Sembcorp Marine’s recent achievement represents a crucial milestone in this evolution. In October 2019, the Singapore-based marine and offshore engineering group received certification from DNV GL, a leading quality assurance and risk management company[3], for its 3D printed parts used in construction and repair projects[1]. This certification marks a major step forward in the adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) technology within the maritime sector, an industry traditionally known for its conservative approach to new manufacturing methods[9].

For decades, the marine industry has relied on conventional manufacturing techniques—casting, forging, and machining—to produce the critical components needed for vessels, offshore platforms, and marine infrastructure[8]. However, these methods often come with significant challenges: long lead times, high inventory costs, supply chain vulnerabilities, and limited flexibility for design improvements[8]. The certification of Sembcorp Marine’s 3D printing processes by DNV GL addresses many of these challenges head-on, opening up new possibilities for how marine components are designed, produced, and maintained[1].

This comprehensive analysis explores the significance of Sembcorp Marine’s certification, the technical details of their 3D printing capabilities, the broader implications for the maritime industry, and what this means for the future of additive manufacturing in offshore and marine applications.

Understanding DNV GL Certification for Additive Manufacturing

Before diving into the specifics of Sembcorp Marine’s achievement, it’s essential to understand what DNV GL certification means in the context of additive manufacturing and why it carries such weight in the maritime industry.

The Role of DNV GL

DNV GL (now known simply as DNV) is one of the world’s largest classification and certification societies, with over 150 years of experience in providing independent assurance and risk management services to the maritime, oil and gas, and energy sectors[4]. The organization plays a critical role in establishing standards and certifications that ensure safety, reliability, and quality across these industries[4].

In 2017, DNV GL launched the first classification guideline specifically for additive manufacturing in the maritime sector: DNVGL-CG-0197[4]. This guideline provides a framework for certifying 3D printed components and processes, addressing the unique challenges and considerations that come with additive manufacturing[4]. The guideline covers various aspects including material specifications, process control, quality assurance, and testing requirements[4].

What the Certification Means

When DNV GL certifies a company’s additive manufacturing processes, it means that the company has demonstrated adherence to rigorous quality standards and that their 3D printed parts meet specific performance criteria for their intended applications[5]. This certification is not a one-time event but rather an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring, testing, and compliance with established standards[5].

For Sembcorp Marine, the DNV GL certification specifically covers their procedures and specifications for 3D printed components used in construction and repair projects[1]. This includes both the printing processes themselves and the quality control measures in place to ensure that the printed parts meet the necessary standards for their intended use[5].

Collaboration and Partnership

The certification process involved significant collaboration between Sembcorp Marine and several key partners in the additive manufacturing ecosystem. According to The Straits Times, Sembcorp Marine worked with DNV GL, A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC), Nanyang Technological University, and commercial additive manufacturer 3D Metalforge to develop their 3D printing capabilities and achieve certification[3].

This collaborative approach highlights the complexity of bringing additive manufacturing into the maritime sector and the importance of bringing together expertise from multiple domains—from material science and manufacturing engineering to maritime safety standards and quality assurance[3].

Sembcorp Marine’s 3D Printing Capabilities

Sembcorp Marine’s certification is the result of years of investment and development in additive manufacturing capabilities[1]. Let’s explore what specific technologies and applications are covered under this certification.

Types of Parts Being Printed

According to industry reports, Sembcorp Marine’s certification covers the 3D printing of various types of components, with a focus on non-critical parts used in construction and repair applications[1]. Specific examples include:

• Worn-out metal sleeves used in pumps: These are replaceable components that wear out over time and need regular replacement. See also: Best 3D Printer Upgrades That Actually Improve Pri…. 3D printing these parts offers significant advantages in terms of turnaround time and cost[8].
• Bevel gear sets for machinery applications: These are complex components used in various mechanical systems. 3D printing enables the production of these parts with reduced lead time and the potential for design optimization[8].
• General repair and maintenance parts: The certification covers a range of spare parts and components needed for ongoing maintenance and repair activities[1].

Importantly, while the initial focus has been on non-critical parts, the certification provides a foundation for potentially expanding into more critical components in the future as the technology matures and gains broader acceptance within the industry[10].

Materials and Technologies

While specific details about the exact 3D printing technologies and materials used by Sembcorp Marine are proprietary, we can infer certain aspects based on the types of parts being produced and the nature of the certification:

• Metal 3D Printing: Given that the certification covers metal parts like sleeves and gear sets, it’s clear that Sembcorp Marine is using metal additive manufacturing technologies[8]. This likely includes processes such as Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) or Direct Energy Deposition (DED), both of which are commonly used for producing high-quality metal parts[8].
• Material Standards: The certification ensures that all materials used meet DNV GL’s standards for maritime applications, which includes specifications for chemical composition, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance—critical factors for marine environments[5].
• Quality Control: Comprehensive quality control processes are in place, including testing of mechanical properties, dimensional accuracy, and material consistency to ensure that every printed part meets the required specifications[5].

Benefits Realized by Sembcorp Marine

Wong Weng Sun, President and CEO of Sembcorp Marine, highlighted several key benefits that the certification and adoption of 3D printing bring to the company[1]. These include:

• Custom Manufacturing: The ability to custom-make components tailored to specific requirements, rather than relying on standard parts that may not be optimal for every application[1].
• Design and Quality Improvements: 3D printing enables design optimization and potentially improved quality compared to traditionally manufactured parts, particularly for complex geometries[8].
• Reduced Procurement Constraints: Mitigation of challenges related to cost, lead time, and availability of parts, especially for repair jobs where the needed parts might be expensive, obsolete, out of stock, or no longer in production[1].
• Supply Chain Resilience: Reduced dependence on external suppliers and the ability to produce parts on-demand when needed, improving operational flexibility and reducing the risk of supply chain disruptions[1].

Comparison: Traditional vs. 3D Printed Marine Parts

To understand the full significance of Sembcorp Marine’s certification, it’s helpful to compare traditional manufacturing methods with 3D printing for marine applications[8]. The following table highlights key differences across several important dimensions.

Table 1: Traditional Manufacturing vs. 3D Printing for Marine Spare Parts

Aspect	Traditional Manufacturing	3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing)
Lead Time	Weeks to months for custom parts, days to weeks for standard parts[8]	Hours to days for most parts, regardless of complexity[8]
Tooling Requirements	Expensive molds, dies, and fixtures required; high setup costs[8]	No physical tooling required; digital files directly drive production[8]
Design Flexibility	Limited by manufacturing constraints; complex geometries expensive or impossible[8]	High; complex internal structures and optimized geometries are possible[8]
Material Waste	Subtractive processes generate significant scrap material (20-90% waste)[8]	Additive process uses only material needed; minimal waste (5-15% waste)[8]
Cost for Low Volumes	High per-unit cost due to tooling and setup overhead[8]	Lower per-unit cost for small batches and one-off parts[8]
Inventory Costs	High; requires stocking of many spare parts to ensure availability[8]	Lower; digital inventory reduces need for physical stock[8]
Supply Chain Complexity	Complex; involves multiple suppliers, shipping, and logistics[8]	Simpler; on-demand production reduces dependencies[8]
Obsolete Parts	Problematic; discontinued parts become unavailable[8]	Solvable; parts can be reverse-engineered and printed from digital files[8]

This comparison illustrates why 3D printing is particularly advantageous for the maritime industry, where spare parts availability, long lead times, and supply chain vulnerabilities are ongoing challenges[10]. The ability to produce parts on-demand, with minimal tooling costs and design flexibility, addresses many of these pain points directly[8].

Broader Industry Impact and Adoption

Sembcorp Marine’s certification is not happening in isolation. It’s part of a broader trend toward the adoption of additive manufacturing across the maritime and offshore industries. Let’s explore some other significant developments and what they tell us about the industry’s trajectory.

Industry-Wide Momentum

DNV has been actively working with multiple companies to advance additive manufacturing in the maritime sector[5]. According to DNV’s reports, they have initiated joint projects with numerous organizations including Sembcorp Marine, Maritime Port Authority, Anglo Eastern shipping, Wärtsilä, Baker Hughes, Carpenter Technology, Chevron, Equinor, Shell, Total, and BP, among others[5]. This broad participation from major industry players indicates a collective recognition of additive manufacturing’s potential[5].

Other Notable Certifications and Projects

Sembcorp Marine is not alone in receiving DNV GL certification for additive manufacturing. In 2018, DNV GL awarded its first Additive Manufacturing Approval of Manufacturer certificate to thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, making their TechCenter Additive Manufacturing a DNV-approved supplier for maritime and general industrial applications[5]. This certification specifically covers the 3D printing and processing of austenitic stainless steel parts[5].

More recently, companies like Kongsberg Ferrotech have been working on projects to develop tools for repairing subsea assets using 3D printing technology[5]. These projects, undertaken in partnership with major oil and gas companies like Equinor and Gassco, demonstrate the expansion of additive manufacturing into more demanding and critical applications[5].

Major Oil & Gas Companies Getting Involved

The involvement of major oil and gas companies in additive manufacturing initiatives is particularly telling[8]. Baker Hughes, for example, has used additive manufacturing to print ESP impellers for Shell’s offshore operations[8]. According to Shell, the actual printing, heat treatment, and testing of a 3D-printed impeller was completed within 40 days—approximately half the time required for traditional manufacturing methods[8].

This example illustrates one of the key value propositions of additive manufacturing for offshore operations: the ability to dramatically reduce lead times for critical components, potentially avoiding costly downtime while waiting for parts[8].

Key Players in Maritime Additive Manufacturing

The maritime additive manufacturing ecosystem involves a diverse range of organizations, from classification societies and certification bodies to technology providers, manufacturers, and end-users[10]. The following table highlights some of the key players and their roles in advancing additive manufacturing in the maritime and offshore sectors.

Table 2: Key Players in Maritime Additive Manufacturing

Organization	Role & Focus	Notable Contributions
DNV GL (DNV)	Classification & Certification	First classification guideline for AM (DNVGL-CG-0197); certification of multiple manufacturers[4,5]
Sembcorp Marine	Shipyard & Offshore Engineering	First certification for AM in construction & repair parts (2019)[1,6]
Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems	Marine Systems Manufacturer	First Approval of Manufacturer certificate (2018); stainless steel parts[5]
Baker Hughes	Oilfield Services	3D printed ESP impellers for Shell offshore operations (40-day lead time)[8]
Wärtsilä	Marine Power & Propulsion	Active in AM adoption for marine engines and propulsion systems[5]
Kongsberg Ferrotech	Subsea Technology	Developing AM tools for subsea asset repair with Equinor and Gassco[5]
3D Metalforge	AM Service Provider	Partnered with Sembcorp Marine and SIMTech on AM development[3]
CEAD	Large-Format AM	Developing large-scale AM for boat structures and marine components[10]
NAMIC (Singapore)	AM Innovation Cluster	Coordinating AM development in Singapore; partner with Sembcorp Marine[3]
SIMTech (A*STAR)	Research Institute	Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology; R&D partner for marine AM[3]

This diverse ecosystem highlights the collaborative nature of additive manufacturing adoption in the maritime sector[3]. Success requires partnerships between classification societies, technology providers, research institutions, and end-users to address the technical, regulatory, and practical challenges involved[5].

Future Outlook and Trends

Despite challenges, the future of additive manufacturing in the maritime and offshore industries looks bright[10]. Several trends suggest that we’ll see continued growth and evolution in this space.

Expansion into Critical Applications

While current certifications largely cover non-critical parts, there’s a clear trend toward expanding into more critical applications[5]. See also: 3D Printing Safety Equipment Guide: Respirators, G…. As the technology matures and more data becomes available on long-term performance, we can expect to see certification for more safety-critical components in propulsion systems, structural elements, and other vital systems[5].

On-Demand and On-Site Production

One of the most exciting trends is the potential for on-demand and on-site production[10]. This includes installation of 3D printers on vessels to produce spare parts at sea, establishment of 3D printing facilities at major ports, and development of comprehensive digital libraries of spare part designs that can be accessed and printed on-demand anywhere in the world[10].

Environmental Sustainability

Environmental considerations are becoming increasingly important in all industries, including maritime[8]. Additive manufacturing offers several sustainability benefits including reduced material waste, lower energy consumption for certain applications, weight reduction leading to improved fuel efficiency, and extended product lifecycles reducing the need for new equipment[8].

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ 1: What exactly did Sembcorp Marine get certified for?

Sembcorp Marine received certification from DNV GL (now DNV) for their additive manufacturing processes and specifications for producing 3D printed components used in construction and repair projects[1,5]. This certification covers the company’s procedures for 3D printing various marine components, including metal sleeves for pumps, bevel gear sets for machinery, and other spare parts[1]. The certification validates that Sembcorp Marine’s 3D printed parts meet the quality and safety standards required for use in maritime applications[5].

FAQ 2: Why is DNV GL certification important for 3D printed marine parts?

DNV GL is one of the world’s leading classification societies, providing certification and assurance services to the maritime, offshore, and energy industries[4]. Their certification is important because it provides independent verification that 3D printed parts meet rigorous safety and quality standards, which is critical for maritime applications where component failure can have serious consequences[4,5]. DNV GL certification is widely recognized and accepted across the maritime industry, making it easier for certified parts to be adopted by ship owners, operators, and regulators[4].

FAQ 3: What types of parts can be 3D printed for maritime applications?

A wide range of parts can be 3D printed for maritime applications, though the focus initially is on non-critical components[1]. Current and potential applications include spare parts, worn-out or broken components that need replacement, parts for legacy equipment that are no longer manufactured, custom components that would be expensive or impractical to manufacture using traditional methods, tooling and fixtures, and prototypes for testing new designs[10]. As the technology matures and certification processes evolve, we can expect to see expansion into more critical components, including parts for propulsion systems, structural elements, and other vital systems[5].

FAQ 4: How does 3D printing reduce costs and lead times for marine spare parts?

3D printing offers several advantages that can reduce costs and lead times for marine spare parts[8]. It eliminates the need for expensive molds, dies, and fixtures, enables on-demand production reducing inventory costs, provides faster turnaround with most parts produced in hours to days rather than weeks or months, reduces transportation by printing closer to where parts are needed, allows for lower minimum order quantities making single parts cost-effective, and enables design optimization that can reduce material usage for some parts[8]. The Baker Hughes example for Shell demonstrates this advantage: a 3D-printed ESP impeller was completed in 40 days—half the time of traditional manufacturing[8].

FAQ 5: What are the challenges and limitations of 3D printing in the maritime industry?

While 3D printing offers many advantages, there are also challenges and limitations[5,10]. These include material certification concerns with limited long-term data on performance in marine environments, quality assurance and process control requirements to ensure consistent quality, cost considerations with expensive equipment and materials, skills and expertise gaps requiring specialized knowledge, and regulatory and safety considerations that require extensive testing and validation[5]. Additionally, there are technical limitations including build volume constraints for large parts, surface finish requirements that may need post-processing, and production speed limitations for high-volume applications[10].

FAQ 6: How will 3D printing change the maritime supply chain?

3D printing has the potential to significantly transform maritime supply chains by enabling digital inventory with parts stored digitally and printed on-demand, decentralized production with parts printed closer to where they’re needed, dramatically reduced lead times that minimize vessel downtime, greater flexibility making supply chains more resilient to disruptions, local manufacturing in regions that may not have had access to certain parts previously, and true just-in-time production[8,10]. These changes can reduce logistics complexity, warehousing costs, and transportation emissions while improving operational efficiency[8].

FAQ 7: What are the environmental benefits of 3D printing in the maritime industry?

3D printing offers several environmental benefits that are becoming increasingly important[8]. These include reduced material waste as additive manufacturing uses only the material needed to create a part, lower energy consumption for certain applications when considering the full lifecycle, reduced transportation distances and associated emissions, weight reduction improving fuel efficiency for vessels, extended product lifecycles reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing new equipment, lower emissions from warehousing and inventory management, and distributed manufacturing enabling localized production closer to the point of use[8].

Conclusion

Sembcorp Marine’s certification from DNV GL for its 3D printed parts represents more than just a technical achievement for one company—it’s a milestone for the entire maritime and offshore industry[6]. This certification demonstrates that additive manufacturing has matured to the point where it can meet the rigorous safety and quality standards required for use in one of the world’s most demanding industries[5].

The benefits that Sembcorp Marine has already realized—reduced supply chain risks, unlocked efficiencies, improved design flexibility, and reduced procurement constraints—are just the beginning[1]. As the technology continues to advance and certification processes evolve, we can expect to see additive manufacturing increasingly integrated into maritime operations across the board[10].

For ship owners, operators, and service providers, the message is clear: additive manufacturing is no longer an experimental technology for the maritime sector—it’s a proven capability that can deliver real operational and economic benefits today[9]. Organizations that invest in developing their additive manufacturing capabilities now will be well-positioned to capture these benefits and stay competitive in an evolving industry[9].

The journey that began with Sembcorp Marine’s certification is just the first step in what promises to be a transformative era for manufacturing in the maritime and offshore industries[7]. As more companies follow Sembcorp Marine’s lead and as the technology continues to advance, we can expect to see additive manufacturing become an increasingly integral part of maritime operations, delivering benefits in efficiency, flexibility, sustainability, and competitiveness for years to come[9].

Sources and References

1. Sembcorp Marine Ltd. (2019). “Sembcorp Marine earns 3D printing certifications for parts used in construction and repairs.” Retrieved from https://www.sembmarine.com/2019/10/29/sembcorp-marine-earns-3d-printing-certifications-for-parts-used-in-construction-and-repairs
2. 3D Printing. (2019). “Sembcorp Marine Receive Certification For Printed Parts in Off-Shore Projects.” Retrieved from https://3dprinting.com/news/sembcorp-marine-receive-certification-for-printed-parts-in-off-shore-projects/
3. The Straits Times. (2019). “Sembcorp Marine’s 3D printing of construction, repair parts gets quality assurance.” Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/sembcorp-marines-3d-printing-of-construction-repair-parts-gets-quality
4. DNV. (2017). “Adding a new layer to shipping: DNV GL launches first class guideline for additive manufacturing.” Retrieved from https://www.dnv.us/news/2017/adding-a-new-layer-to-shipping-dnv-gl-launches-first-class-guideline-for-additive-manufacturing-105594/
5. DNV. “Additive manufacturing certification.” Retrieved from https://www.dnv.com/services/additive-manufacturing-certification-104684/
6. Harbours Review. “Sembcorp Marine secures 3D printing certifications.” Retrieved from http://harboursreview.com/sembcorp-marine-secures-3d-printing-certifications.html
7. OE Digital. (2019). “Sembcorp Earns 3D Printing Certifications.” Retrieved from https://www.oedigital.com/news/472260-sembcorp-earns-3d-printing-certifications
8. BigRep. (2025). “How Additive Manufacturing Benefits the Oil & Gas Industry.” Retrieved from https://bigrep.com/posts/additive-manufacturing-in-oil-and-gas-industry/
9. Thetius. (2021). “Introduction to 3D printing in the maritime industry.” Retrieved from https://thetius.com/3d-printing-in-the-maritime-industry/
10. Weerg. (2025). “3D Printing in the Maritime Sector: Applications and Innovations.” Retrieved from https://www.weerg.com/guides/3d-printing-marine-industry

Frequently Asked Questions