The full article is available to our Members and registered users. If you are a Member, please sign in to continue reading. If you are not a Member, you can access 1 complimentary article this month by registering for a free account.
Become a Member to access the full range of RINA’s technical publications, articles and professional resources.
Submarine maintenance utilises 3D printing
22nd Sep 2026
Part printing to speed up maintenance (image: QinetiQ).
QinetiQ has installed a new additive manufacturing facility at HM Naval Base Clyde, aimed at cutting maintenance time for the Royal Navy's submarine fleet by enabling components to be printed and delivered dockside on demand.
Delivered through two contracts with the Submarine Delivery Group's (SDG) Additive Manufacturing team, the new capability combines an "All In One" (AIO) solution, a UK sovereign, point-of-need manufacturing system, with a Market Access Cell (MAC) for more complex parts. Together they allow submarine components to be