Holland Shipyards Group, started work on building the largest ever 3D printed ferry as part of a new project sponsored by France to highlight innovations in sustainable and autonomous shipping.
In December 2022, Holland Shipyards Group, Sequana Développement and Roboat were designated as a winner in a national call for autonomous passenger boat projects initiated by the French inland waterway authority, Voies Navigables de France.
As informed, the ferry proposed by the winning consortium will be 3D printed and, with its dimensions of 9 by 3.90 m, is the largest printed autonomous ferry ever.
The ferry is characterized by a state-of-the-art design, an autonomy system, electric propulsion, and has a 3D printed hull made of recycled material. Mooring and charging will happen automatically.
The ferry is to be deployed in the summer of 2024 in a key location, still under wraps, in the vicinity of the major sporting events and will enable visitors to Paris and athletes to fulfill their mobility needs in a new and environmentally friendly manner.
The 3D print build method opens up a new exciting chapter in shipbuilding.
…said Leendert Hoogendoorn, director Holland Shipyards Group.
Every city has to deal with urban mobility challenges and green transport over water can offer an excellent solution. By using autonomous electric ferries, you have a sustainable solution for reducing city congestion and emissions. The ferries help cities solve their growing mobility needs by making better use of the waterways.
Autonomous ferries will create new connections over existing waterways in cities worldwide.
says Ynse Deinema, CEO Roboat.
