The 3D printed autonomous ferry that Holland Shipyards is building for the Olympic Games in Paris next year has hit the water. The yard has released a video showing the vessel take its first inaugural metres over water.
Athletes and visitors from around the world will have a glimpse of the future of waterborne mobility by crossing the Seine with a 3D printed, autonomous, electric passenger ferry. Together with partners Sequana Développement and Roboat, Holland Shipyards Group has been designated a winner in a countrywide call for projects in the field of autonomous decarbonated passenger boats.
The three companies won the order in December 2022, which was awarded by the French inland waterway authority, Voies Navigables de France. The ferry proposed by the winning consortium will be 3D printed and, with its dimensions of 9 by 3.90 metres, is the largest printed autonomous ferry ever. In April 2023, construction of the ferry kicked off with a “keel printing”.
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 (the Olympic Games will be held in Paris in 2024) and will enable visitors to Paris and athletes to fulfill their mobility needs in a new and environmentally friendly manner.
Also read: Holland Shipyards shows its innovative strength to Minister Adriaansens
New chapter in shipbuilding
The ferry is characterised 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 3D print build method opens up a new exciting chapter in shipbuilding,’ says Leendert Hoogendoorn, director Holland Shipyards Group.
Picture and video by Holland Shipyards Group.
Also read: Holland Shipyards to deliver 3D printed autonomous ferry to Paris
