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Dutch startup 3D-prints military and leisure boats in days, not months
A Dutch engineering firm has developed a high-strength thermoplastic composite that allows entire boat hulls to be 3D-printed in under a week-cutting traditional production times by over 80% while maintaining durability against marine conditions.
Maarten Logtenberg, co-founder of Delft-based CEAD, demonstrated the material's resilience by striking it with a sledgehammer, which left barely a mark. The proprietary blend of thermoplastics and fiberglass resists UV degradation, fouling, and marine growth without additional coatings-a breakthrough after two years of experimentation.
From weeks to days: Automating 90% of boatbuilding
Traditional fiberglass boat construction relies on labor-intensive mold-based processes, often taking weeks per hull. CEAD's additive manufacturing system, however, prints a 12-meter military-grade vessel in six weeks-including design iterations-at a fraction of conventional costs.
"We're automating nearly 90% of the build," Logtenberg said. "Once the digital design is finalized, the printer operates autonomously, bonding layer upon layer of material into a seamless structure." The company's largest printer, spanning 40 meters, has already produced an electric ferry for Abu Dhabi and a prototype fast boat for the Dutch Navy.
"Normally, naval procurement takes years and costs millions. We delivered a functional prototype in six weeks on a limited budget-and we can recycle it afterward."
Maarten Logtenberg, CEAD co-founder
Military and rental markets lead adoption
Beyond speed, 3D printing offers unmatched flexibility. CEAD recently supported a NATO Special Forces exercise by fabricating unmanned drones on-site within hours, adjusting designs mid-operation. The technology's portability-printers fit in shipping containers-enables production near deployment zones, reducing logistics.
In the leisure sector, Rotterdam's Raw Idea targets rental markets with its Tanaruz brand. "Consumers are cautious, but renters love the novelty," said managing director Joyce Pont. The company's boats incorporate recycled plastics (e.g., soda bottles), though material costs currently match traditional builds. Pont predicts 3D-printed boats will dominate the speedboat and workboat segments within five years.
Regulatory hurdles and scaling challenges
European maritime regulators are adapting to certify vessels built with unconventional materials and methods. Both CEAD and Raw Idea collaborate closely with authorities to align innovations with safety standards.
While full-ship 3D printing remains distant-Logtenberg estimates 10-20 years for hulls-modular construction (e.g., printing sections for assembly) is advancing. "Thermoplastics are improving rapidly," he noted. "Scaling machines and material supply chains is the next frontier."
Why boats? A niche where 3D printing delivers
Logtenberg attributes past 3D-printing disappointments to mismatched applications. "Metal printing, small-scale polymers, and large-format systems are entirely different," he said. "Maritime's combination of high customization needs, harsh environments, and cost pressures makes it ideal."
Industry watchers highlight the technology's potential for rapid prototyping, on-demand repairs, and localized production-though superyachts and craft-intensive vessels may resist automation. For now, military, rental, and workboat sectors lead the charge.
