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 waters
The companies describe the project as “a decisive step toward sustainability, efficiency, and industrialization.”