MANUFACTURING
Digital manufacturing platforms transform shipyards and modular builds
Floating economy smart yards, AI welding, and modular sections accelerate floating infrastructure.
Robots performing high-precision welding tasks in a shipyard. Image by Hina Dinoo.
Shipyards are no longer just steel and sparks. They’re becoming digital factories. By combining modular construction, AI-driven welding, and design software, builders are cutting costs and speeding up delivery. For The Floating Economy, this means faster deployment of floating ports, offshore housing, and marine infrastructure.
Meyer Werft – AI Welding & Module R&D: Meyer Werft is developing lightweight module systems and AI-controlled welding technologies to reduce distortion and emissions in shipbuilding.
CADMATIC Software at Meyer Shipyards: Meyer Werft uses CADMATIC’s design and data-management software across its yards in Papenburg, Turku, and Rostock, supporting complex modular vessel projects with fewer errors and faster workflows.
ST Engineering Smart Shipyard – Singapore: Opened in 2024, the Gul yard integrates 5G, AI, digital twin tech, and unified management systems. Its fabrication areas and floating docks boost efficiency for refits and new offshore construction.
Damen Shipyards – Modular Cooperation: Damen applies modular construction by building vessel components in multiple locations, then assembling them closer to clients. This shortens delivery times and builds capacity in local yards.
Digital manufacturing platforms are turning shipyards into tech-driven ecosystems. With modularity and smart tools, they’re creating the backbone for scalable floating infrastructure at the heart of The Floating Economy.
—TFI
The Floating Institute is all about advancing knowledge of the global floating economy.