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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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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Damen, CEAD explore composite 3D printing potential via HDPE Workboat project
Dutch innovators collaborate to investigate large-format 3D printing for functional shipbuilding at the recently opened Maritime Application Center.
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Delta Marine shares 110-foot custom motor yacht with novel hull
In-progress build highlights Delta’s first hull designed entirely using CFD, a step forward in performance innovation for the shipyard known for its custom composites construction expertise.
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CEAD launches the Maritime Application Center dedicated to industrial 3D printing boat hulls
The MAC is an LFAM-powered production facility equipped with highly automated, digitally driven manufacturing processes and built around a collaborative model to develop the boats of the future.
Read MoreKnowledge Centers
In the Automated Composites knowledge center, CGTech brings you vital information about all things automated composites, from the manufacturing processes to the vendors and necessary tools.
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During CW Tech Days: Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.
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Latest Marine News And Updates
UTComp NDT inspection prepares FRP Class 40 racing sailboat
Ahead of the competitive Globe40 competition in September, UTComp’s ultrasonic capabilities were used to test the viability of the craft’s carbon fiber mast, boom and bowsprit on the water.
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Royal3D uses large-scale 3D printing for aquatic drone production
ShearWater aquatic drone, manufactured with fiberglass-reinforced recycled PETG, demonstrates precision 3D printing capabilities, sustainability focus and design innovation for maritime and heavy-duty applications.
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Integris to provide composite ballistic protection for Type 45 vessels
Integris Composites enters its fourth decade serving aerospace OEMs and defense contractors globally for critical defense systems.
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Vabo Composites hatches, doors to be used in Dutch naval project
Multiyear contract with ASWF Damen Naval will contribute lightweight composite products for the development of modern naval vessels.
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TidalHeath project supports SHM advancements in tidal turbine foils
ÉireComposites, University of Galway and ORPC are dedicated to improving real-time damage detection and monitoring of composite tidal foils through innovations in 3D printed fiber optic sensors and foil designs.
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Proteus Marine Renewables installs Japan’s first 1.1-megawatt tidal turbine
Carbon fiber tidal turbine generator, featuring a horizontal-axis rotor with three composite blades, drives Japan’s transition to tidal energy.
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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.
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Developing bonded composite repair for ships, offshore units
Bureau Veritas and industry partners issue guidelines and pave the way for certification via StrengthBond Offshore project.
Read MoreFAQ: 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
