Maritime activities have been providing great economic value to our society for a long time. From recent studies, it was determined that 15.4% of Malta’s economy was dependent on the marine environment. This forms 3-5% of the EU’s GDP, which is not surprising considering Malta’s strategic position in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. As a result of Malta’s small land area, the dependence on marine environment has always been significant. Marine transportation vessels are continuously subjected to the natural elements, which will cause a detrimental effect on corrosion, erosion, tribological, anti-biofouling and mechanical characteristics of the component. Due to this, parts such as propellers and shafts need to be replaced frequently. 

Additive manufactured (AM) processes are being used to meet such high replacement demands due to how rapidly they can produce complex designs. It is a process which boosts innovation, production rates, and reduces cost, while allowing for production of new geometric configurations with a reduction in waste. However, the surface finish and high porosity of such parts, continues to reduce the tensile strength, posing further damage to mechanical properties.

The aim of this research is to develop metallic propeller blades with the help of 3D printing to be used in the marine transportation industry. Besides this, the application of surface engineering processes will be implemented to further improve the surface characteristics of the materials under test. 

This research will also contribute to the researchers’ career development following their exposure and acquisition of skills in the aforementioned field.