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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IACC NODE, Lamáquina enable functional 3D printed composite boat
Asket, the student team’s first project, is a custom, one-piece vessel featuring a 3D printed hull, real-time sensor function and adaptive robotic control.
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Bcomp natural fiber composites to enhance Sunreef catamarans
Innovative yacht manufacturer will use flax fiber-reinforced bio-based or recyclable resin to improve vibration damping, aesthetics and sustainability for its new 100 Sunreef Power cats.
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Norsepower secures full-fleet rotor sail commitments
Composite wind propulsion technologies will support a series of methanol-ready oil and chemical tankers, as well as six newbuild tankers.
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U.S. Coast Guard MBI releases report on Titan submersible
The two-year investigation into the June 2023 tragedy that took five lives has been published, citing key findings, contributing factors to the casualty and a recommended regulatory framework to avoid future oversight.
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Anemoi wins U.K. funding to advance CFRP rotor sail designs
Seven-month project will develop folding sail systems for Anemoi’s 3.5-meter-diameter rotor sail, and cover additional design optimizations that are expected to improve the aerodynamic performance of wind-assisted vessels.
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Base Materials announces DNV type approval across entire Subtec portfolio
Syntactic buoyancy material range is now backed by regulatory and safety standard assurances for use in 2,000 to 11,500-meter subsea depths.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
This CW Tech Days event will explore the technologies, materials, and strategies that can help composites manufacturers become more sustainable.
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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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Explore the cutting-edge composites industry, as experts delve into the materials, tooling, and manufacturing hurdles of meeting the demands of the promising advanced air mobility (AAM) market. Join us at CW Tech Days to unlock the future of efficient composites fabrication operations.
LEARN MORELatest Marine News And Updates
Aquila introduces purpose-built 36 Molokai fishing platform
The 36-foot catamaran features a composites-intensive design, pairing hardcore fishing capability with thoughtful comfort features.
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REGENT forms REGENT Defense, unveils defense seaglider product line
ISR, medevac and other maritime defense missions will be supported through the new line of high-speed, long-range, low-signature marine craft, which build off the company’s composites-intensive Viceroy.
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Nlcomp begins construction of rFactory in Italy
The 200-square-meter facility represents nlcomp’s transition from startup to established business, accelerating expansion of its sustainable composite products from marine to also wind and other high-performance applications.
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OceanWings demonstrate wind-assisted propulsion potential via Canopée
For the last two years, the vessel that transports components of the Ariane 6 rocket has proven the success and viability of its installed OceanWings, including fuel savings, aerodynamic performance and versatility.
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Oceanbird wing sails to demonstrate wind-based marine propulsion
Part of project Orcelle Horizon, the composites-intensive, 560-square-meter structure will undergo ground-based testing before installation on a demonstrator shipping vessel.
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Recyclable thermoplastic composite foils proven in multiple races, >1,500 miles
The MiniLab innovation program completes third race in 2025, showing good performance and no weaknesses in TPC foils as it examines in situ data and continues lab testing.
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Hybrid composite architecture enables rigid wind propulsion solution for maritime decarbonization
GT Wings’ AirWing leverages aerospace engineering principles combined with hybrid glass and carbon fiber composite construction to deliver up to 30% fuel savings through compact, deck-compatible wind propulsion.
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Recycled carbon fiber composite panels power 40% lighter, durable semi-rigid solar panels
Designed for auxiliary power use while traveling via boat or RV, Italian startup Levante’s custom flexible or standardized semi-rigid solar panels combine the benefits of ReCarbon’s rCF and thermoplastics.
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FIDAMC expands composites R&D into new markets and advanced manufacturing centers
Pioneering technocenter advances RTM, thermoplastic composites, additive manufacturing, microwire, novel lighter weight LSP and more.
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Functionalizing surfaces for sustainability
Riblets reduce drag, fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and noise while boosting power output, flow rates, speed and efficiency.
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Composites end markets: Boatbuilding and marine (2025)
As 2023-2024 consumer demand slows, boat and marine vessel manufacturers continue to focus on decarbonization and new technologies using composites.
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Large-format AM speeds plug production for manufacture of composite boat molds
Hungarian manufacturer Rapid Prototyping transitioned its conventional foam milling process to 3D printing to produce faster, higher quality, recyclable foam plugs and composite boat molds.
WatchFAQ: 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
