3D Printing the Future of Port Resilience

What if ports could print their own infrastructure? From flood barriers to road repairs and even artificial reefs, what once sounded like science fiction is quickly becoming reality through the SAFARI Ports project.

In a new interview, Othman Lakhal, lecturer in robotics and automation at the Université de Lille, explains how 3D printing technologies are being used to make ports smarter, greener, and more resilient, all while rethinking how materials are sourced and reused.

Othman and his team are exploring how dredged sediments from port operations can be transformed into functional construction materials, reducing waste and closing the loop within the port ecosystem. Using robotic 3D printing, they are developing techniques to repair cracks and potholes directly on site, drastically reducing downtime and material consumption.

Beyond maintenance, these same methods are being applied to print structures that support marine biodiversity, such as artificial reefs and riverbank protection elements designed with nature-based principles. This innovation opens new pathways for combining climate adaptation, circular economy, and ecological restoration in one integrated approach.

By merging automation, sustainability, and resilience, Othman’s research embodies the SAFARI vision: enabling ports to adapt to a changing climate while reducing their environmental footprint.

🎥 Watch the interview with Othman Lakhal and discover how 3D printing is shaping the next generation of resilient ports.