On 1 September, KR signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with leading industry partners for developing and demonstrating 3D printing systems for maintenance, repair, and operation (MRO) in operational ships.

The partners included Ulsan Metropolitan City, Ulsan ICT Promotion Agency, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute, CSCam, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HMM, and ABS.

The development of 3D printing technology began in February last year with the signing of the agreement with Ulsan Metropolitan City and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, which then led to this demonstration project.

With the application of 3D printing systems on ships, some of the necessary items can be produced onboard instead of being supplied externally.

Through this business agreement, KR will support the classification certification of 3D printing systems on ships, which is expected to accelerate the commercialization of parts using 3D printing technology on operational ships.

Although 3D printing is already being used in various fields, there are unfavorable environmental conditions for 3D printing operations when applied to operating ships.  To overcome these conditions, KR will cooperate with related organizations and strive to verify the reliability and stability of new technologies as a classification society.