A new method of construction of heavy-duty vessels, which involves additive manufacturing from eco-friendly crystalline composite based on mineral binder reinforced with dedicated steel fibre

Project facts

Project promoter:
SOFIC sp. z o.o.(PL)
Project Number:
PL-INNOVATION-0166
Status:
In implementation
Initial project cost:
€312,273
Donor Project Partners:
KvantIT Marglewski(NO)

More information

Description

Sofic designs and manufactures vessels for the yachting, composite, fishing, and shipbuilding industries. Under the project we are developing a technology for the production of heavy-duty vessels, with reinforced concrete and additive printing which uses ecological crystalline composite based on a mineral binder reinforced with steel fibre. This technology will allow us to develop a market niche by introducing new worksite crafts, fishing boats, marina service boats, tourist boats and houseboats. The new vessels will be 7-7.5 m long and approximately 36m² big. A customer who chooses our hull instead of a laminated one will receive a much more durable and resistant product at a comparable price. The advantages of the new vessels include extended service life, ranging between 25 and 80 years, 3-fold increased impact strength, greater refractoriness, no need to move out of the water for maintenance works and overwintering, and the resulting lower operating costs.

The project covers development works, the purchase of production resources (CNC digitally controlled machining centre, form of a vessel hull, worksite craft) and marketing services. Our Norwegian partner – KvantIT Marglewski -  will carry out tests of a concrete mix in field conditions, and obtain information from potential Norwegian clients on the operating conditions of marina service boats, communication boats and research vessels used on sea waters. Those data will be used in the development works to create a calculation model and a vessel design.

Using the new additive printing technology in the hull production will result in a reduction of the annual carbon emission by 0.28 tons and a decreased electricity consumption by 0.01 GWh. The new technology will also reduce the consumption of materials for the construction of spatial structures.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.