AMSTERDAM – Three dozen companies from 14 nations are left in the running for a dozen or so Boat Builder Business Achievement Awards at the Nov. 15-17 Metstrade show in Amsterdam.
To be shortlisted alone for an award at the annual trade show of equipment, materials and systems for the marine leisure industry is quite an achievement, given the worldwide competition.
The event has served as a platform for innovation, market developments and networking since its launch in 1988.
IMPACD Boats, located in the Netherlands’ northern lake district, is shortlisted for an eco award. The company “focuses on innovation and a sustainable experience on the water.” It does that by making 3D-printed tenders from recycled material. They are 74% more sustainable than conventional tenders, according to the Delft University of Technology.
“Every boat we build has a quiet, powerful and, above all, a clean electric motor,” says CEO Marieke de Boer. They don’t depend on fossil fuels.
The yard is experimenting with 3D printing in boat building and has made over 30 craft, so it is well past the proof-of-concept stage.
It 3D-prints six open cockpit tenders in series and has five times that number on order. Its tenders stretch from 4.5m to 6.8m (17.7 to 22.3ft), but the yard is thinking about building to 9m (29.5ft) and, perhaps, to 13.5m (44.3ft).
It has investors, wants to expand in Europe and collaborates with Mercury Marine. IMPACD Boats are fully recyclable at the end of their life cycle.
