Spanish and Italian firms build 6-meter monolithic catamaran using robotic 3D printing for open waters.
V2 Group and Caracol AM have built what they call the first functional 6-meter-long monolithic catamaran designed for open waters using robotic large-format 3D printing. The boat was developed as a single-piece structure and is intended as a step toward industrial-scale production of 3D-printed vessels.
The project brings together Spain-based V2 Group and Italy-based Caracol AM. The companies focused not just on printing a prototype, but on analyzing the full workflow required for naval-grade production, from design and material selection to printing, post-processing, and testing.According to the companies, the 6-meter catamaran was conceived with scalability in mind. Instead of producing a one-off demonstrator, the teams examined how such boats could be industrialized efficiently and economically. The emphasis was on optimizing printing time, reducing material waste, and aligning the process with the structural and regulatory requirements of the nautical industry.Large-format robotic 3D printing was used to fabricate the hull as a monolithic structure. By minimizing joints and assembly steps, the approach aims to reduce structural weak points and streamline production.Monolithic hull, real watersThe companies describe the project as “a decisive step toward sustainability, efficiency, and industrialization.” Large-format 3D printing, they say, offers advantages such as highly customizable designs, efficient material usage, and reduced environmental impact compared to conventional boatbuilding methods.Traditional fiberglass boat construction involves molds, multiple layup stages, and significant manual labor. In contrast, robotic extrusion systems can deposit composite materials layer by layer directly from a digital design. This reduces tooling requirements and enables rapid design changes without new molds.The boat was developed specifically for open-water use rather than as a display prototype. That required attention to buoyancy, structural rigidity, and durability under marine conditions. The teams state that every stage of the process was studied “to lay the groundwork for future industrialization of such boats,” including material selection, printing time optimization, assembly procedures, and testing protocols.The companies add that “every aspect has been carefully refined to identify the key elements needed to scale production efficiently, sustainably, and economically.”The goal is to move beyond experimentation and toward repeatable manufacturing.Scaling marine additive manufacturingBeyond this single vessel, the collaboration positions robotic large-format 3D printing as a viable manufacturing route for nautical components and full-scale boats. The partners argue that this method can accelerate production timelines while minimizing raw material waste.The broader implication is a shift in how small- to mid-sized boats are designed and built. Digital-first workflows allow designers to integrate structural reinforcement directly into the print geometry, potentially reducing part count and simplifying assembly.If production speeds and material costs remain competitive, additive manufacturing could complement or replace certain conventional composite processes.The companies say the project “establishes the foundation for a new era in the manufacturing of boats and nautical components” and emphasize continued refinement of the process to support wider adoption across the sector.
Additive Manufacturing Catamaran Large-Format Printing Marine Engineering Monolithic Hull Nautical Industry Robotic Manufacturing
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