Composites Use in Marine Applications
Infused, fiberglass/polyester composite boat hulls have been built since the mid-1900s, expanding over time to include additional resins and foam cores. Composites continue to be a mainstay for various types of boats and luxury and racing yachts, and now include newer innovations such as carbon fiber precision hydrofoils and recycled carbon fiber or bio-based resins.
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11th Hour Racing sponsors IMOCA to advance competitive sailing diversity, sustainability
Additional support will be provided for IMOCA projects related to building with alternative material sources, a carbon fiber recycling pilot project, increasing opportunities for female sailors and more.
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Toyoda Gosei composite hydrogen tanks to be used on passenger ship
Multiple commercial truck-type high-pressure tanks have been extended to maritime applications.
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Wing-in-ground trials to commence for composite AirX Airfish craft
ST Engineering and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) are collaborating to advance single- and dual-engine AirFish 8 prototypes.
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Pro-Set named official materials supplier for New York Yacht Club American Magic
Competitive sailing team prepares for the 37th America’s Cup beginning in August 2024 with adhesives, resins and laminate testing services for its AC75 monohull construction.
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Australian R&D project harnesses wave energy for USV underwater rudders
The ACM CRC, with Ocius Technology and the University of New South Wales, collaborate to bring bio-inspired FRP “flippers” tailored to achieve optimal propulsion for all weather conditions.
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Advanced towpreg makes debut on IMOCA hydrofoil boat
JEC World 2024: Avel Robotics’ IMOCA hydrofoil, fresh off the water, is being highlighted at Toray Carbon Fiber Europe’s booth, showcasing a successful collaboration in using towpreg and AFP for efficient race boat development.
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The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.
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CW’s editors are tracking the latest trends and developments in tooling, from the basics to new developments. This collection, presented by Composites One, features four recent CW stories that detail a range of tooling technologies, processes and materials.
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Latest Marine News And Updates
Gurit supports composites-focused wind projects, ferry development
Gurit announces an EcoVadis Gold rating, a collaboration on Hong Kong high-speed passenger ferries and work with the OptiCore Innovation Project.
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HyFiVE research gains insight into metal-composite joining
HyFiVE project came to a close in 2023, providing new insight for adhesive-free joining of metal and fiber-reinforced technologies for maritime construction.
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Artemis Technologies to test electric CTVs for offshore wind
Real-world demonstrations in the U.K. will prove the Artemis EF-24 CTVs capability to operate safely under extreme wind and tide conditions for wind farm operators.
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Arkema aids in construction of 45-foot fishing boat using Elium
Inshore vessel is the largest yet to incorporate the recyclable thermoplastic resin, promotes future sustainability in boat manufacturing.
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Composites industry experts collaborate to address ISO 12215-5:2019 standard challenges
3A Composites Core Materials, STRUCTeam and Beneteau are working to rectify the shortcomings of core requirements of small marine craft in the 2019 framework, while exploring optimal design approaches with foam and balsa core materials.
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FIBRE4YARDS incorporates next-gen composites technologies to redefine shipbuilding
At the project’s completion, consortium members have unveiled final results and a 1:1 scale demonstrator, highlighting the opportunities for more collaborative, digitized, automated, efficient and environmentally friendly shipyards.
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Featured Posts
Finnish boatbuilder balances history, innovation in fiberglass composites design
CW Top Shops honoree Sargo Oy shares its successes in upgrading operations from hand layup to infusion, employing low-waste manufacturing practices, research in large-format 3D printing for mold production and more.
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Composites end markets: Boatbuilding and marine (2024)
As the marine market corrects after the COVID-19 upswing, the emphasis is on decarbonization and sustainability, automation and new forms of mobility offering opportunity for composites.
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Plant tour: BeSpline/Addcomp, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
Composites automation specialist increases access to next-gen technologies, including novel AFP systems and unique 3D parts using adaptive molds.
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The lessons behind OceanGate
Carbon fiber composites faced much criticism in the wake of the OceanGate submersible accident. CW’s publisher Jeff Sloan explains that it’s not that simple.
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Refurbished Einstein yacht demonstrates innovative composites repair and redesign
Years of creative engineering work went into resurrecting the composites-intensive IMOCA 60 racing yacht — with award-winning results.
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Large-format 3D printing enables toolless, rapid production for AUVs
Dive Technologies started by 3D printing prototypes of its composite autonomous underwater vehicles, but AM became the solution for customizable, toolless production.
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FAQ: Marine
How are composites used in boatbuilding?
Boats and yachts have featured fiberglass composite boat hulls, decks and other structures for many years. These are typically fabricated via infusion, hand layup and/or sprayup methods. Carbon fiber/epoxy can be used in applications requiring even lighter weight to increase speed or fuel efficiency, such as in sailing boats or racing boats.
More recently, new international regulations have allowed developments in composite decks, superstructures, rudders and other components for large ships as well.
Why use composites in boatbuilding and marine applications?
- Composites are attractive in marine applications due to corrosion resistance, as well as lightweighting that composites can provide compared to metals or wood can reduce fuel use, greenhouse gas emissions and vessel draft, helping to improve sustainability.
- Source: Removing barriers to lightweighting ships with composites
