New features

Several new working, design and calculation methods will have to be developed in order to permit the use of lightweight materials at sea. Technical problems, such as methods of fastening and jointing, strength, fire resistance, vibration, acoustics, as well as legislative 'thresholds' for lightweight designs, must be overcome. New materials will also be tested, and LCA/LCC design procedures will have to be developed. The main new features of the specific types of vessels in the concept studies are briefly presented below.

A wholly composite warship:

This is a continuation of the existing leading edge knowledge of construction of entire craft from carbon-fibre sandwich material and use of the new vacuum injection technology.  It is most important further to reduce manufacturing cost through the use of new materials, new design solutions, new calculation methods and new production methods. There are few similar products on the market at present.

Aluminium hull with composite superstructure for a high-speed ferry:

Previous high-speed ferries usually have had aluminium superstructures. A structure of sandwich material composites would have better fatigue life, noise reduction, thermal insulation, impact resistance and lower weight. There are no similar products on the market at present.  

Steel hull with composite or aluminium superstructure for a Ro-Ro vessel:

Ro-Ro vessels are built today essentially only of steel: there is no mixing of materials. There may be some lightweight materials in the form of doors or interior fittings, but not in actual structural parts of the vessel. Using aluminium and/or composite materials for parts of the vessel, such as for the superstructure, while the hull was made of steel, would therefore be something entirely new. If a practical working method can be demonstrated, there are substantial opportunities for weight saving, reduced maintenance costs and improved stability. There are no similar products on the market at present.