Description of objects and objectives for greater weight efficiency

Four different concept studies will be carried out, based on suggestions from the participating companies, in order to identify and remove obstacles to the use of lightweight materials in ship designs. Each 'concept' is based on a given type of vessel, and is intended to address as many as possible of the specific technical problems presented by a change from traditional materials to lightweight materials.

The four design types are as follows:

- A wholly composite craft 

- Aluminium hull with composite superstructure

- Steel hull with composite superstructure

- Steel hull with aluminium superstructure.

Each of these combinations presents its own special problems and difficulties, which the concept studies are intended to tackle and describe as far as possible. The industry sectors which will benefit most directly from the projects are:

- Manufacturers of materials

- Shipping lines

- Shipbuilders

- Military industry

- Ship designers

- Recreational craft industry

Manufacturers of other types of transport stock (trains, road vehicles) will be able to benefit from the results, as many of the problems to be investigated are common to all forms of lightweight design as such, e.g. vibration and strength problems at junctions between lightweight materials and steel, fire safety etc.

All the concept studies will be complemented by life cycle analysis comparisons and life cycle cost analyses in order to demonstrate the environmental benefits and economic potentials of changing from traditional materials to lightweight materials.