Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) is a global supplier of services to the maritime sector. WSS runs the largest maritime distribution network with access to 2200 ports around the world. This means that it can be challenging to have the right spare part available at the right location at the right time. The DAVAMS project will support the development of a new supply chain model for additively manufactured spare parts to the maritime sector. The goal is to reduce lead times, transportation distances and inventories as much as possible by making the parts on demand and near the point of use.
Repair and maintenance are key activities in a circular economy. The project will contribute to increase the lifespan of expensive equipment by making spare parts more accessible. Additive manufacturing (AM, also known as industrial 3D-printing) of parts is often more costly compared to mass production, but the calculations change when transportation and inventory costs are included. The challenge is that the economic and environmental benefits have been hard to measure and quantify. In this project, WWS and Ivaldi will develop methods and tools to provide both customers and suppliers more precise information about the benefits of AM.
The project builds on earlier experience with setting up an AM supply chain in Singapore – an important shipping hub.The consortium includes several representatives from end users and public authorities and SINTEF as the R&D provider.
