The Spanish V2 Group, which specialises in design, engineering and 3D printing for the nautical industry, has created Europe’s first fully electric and recyclable 3D printed catamaran. It is 6m (20ft) long and it has been made in one piece and said to be suitable for open waters. With offices in Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona, the V2 Group has successfully developed the first catamaran created in one piece. The boat has been manufactured using robotic 3D printing technology, from the leading Italian company Caracol AM. In this significant action the V2 Group lays the foundations for future industrialisation applied to this type of vessels.

For its development, every aspect has been taken into account, from the selection of materials to the optimisation of printing, assembly and testing times, to identify the key elements necessary to scale production efficiently, sustainably and economically. This strategic approach is crucial to convert this technology into a widely applicable solution in the nautical sector and, in the future, to be able to extrapolate it to other industries, such as aerospace or the automotive industry.

3D printing technology is transforming the nautical sector

“Large format 3D printing technology is transforming the nautical sector by offering competitive advantages with highly-customisable designs, with a 100% digital design, accelerating production times, with minimal waste of materials and a significant reduction in environmental impact” said Albert Chamorro, CEO of V2 Group. “In fact, this revolutionary prototype, in addition to being 100% electric, is 90% recyclable” he explained. “A milestone for a sector that is having a hard time taking on environmental challenges”.

“This achievement not only demonstrates the viability of large-format robotic 3D printing, but also lays the foundation for a new era in the manufacturing of boats and marine components, including the transition towards industrialisation of the process. This will pave the way towards a more scalable, sustainable and accessible production model within the sector”.

The most complex floating structure conceived

The prototype built by V2 Group has been selected as the flagship because it represents the most complex floating structure conceived. This catamaran not only stands out for its technologically challenging design, but also for its maximum efficiency, driven by totally innovative technology. After the success of this first prototype, V2 Group plans to locate, during 2025, its manufacturing in several production centres that it will establish in Spain.

As is known, V2 Group, from the well-known V2 Boats, was founded in 2017 with an initial focus on traditional boat manufacturing. In 2023 it redefined its strategy towards technological innovation. Now, it stands out for breaking with conventional manufacturing methods, betting on industrialization and the advanced application of technology in the nautical sector. The V2 Group team is made up of naval engineers and architects with more than 15 years of experience in the design, construction and development of vessels.

Victoria Calderon