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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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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ClassNK grants approval in principle to OceanWings wingsail
Technical viability of the composite wind-assisted propulsion technology has been verified, aids OceanWing’s expansion into current and new markets.
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IPS Adhesives debuts Scigrip SG2000 adhesive in North America
The adhesive’s 1:1 mix ratio and long open time provides transportation, construction and marine industries with much-needed routine simplification and flexibility.
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Join us for insights into advanced bonding techniques and welding processes for composite materials to ensure durability and structural integrity.
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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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Latest Marine News And Updates
Gurit re-signs long-term supply contract with U.S. Marine Inc.
Multiyear defense contract continuing support for technical composite innovations upholds Gurit’s multi-market strategy.
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REGENT begins sea trials of passenger-carrying seaglider
REGENT Craft reveals the first full-scale prototype of its all-electric composite maritime vessel, kicks off testing campaign that will culminate in human seaglider flight mid-year.
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Caracol delivers high-performance, customized 3D printed elements to Pershing sports utility yacht
Heron AM platform demonstrated its capability of fabricating complex superstructural composite parts for the luxury yachting industry with intricate geometries, more efficiency and less waste.
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Norco delivers GFRP hard hulled riverine craft for BAE Systems
Norco’s broad-ranging materials and manufacturing expertise revitalize UK MOD legacy craft, providing a solution for future defense and communications sector projects.
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Angeloni, Herambiente to create closed-loop rCF system, accelerate recycling research
Herambiente recycling facility in Italy and Angeloni’s composites expertise will build a circular system between customer, manufacturer and recycler and further explore rCF opportunities.
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Pultron Composites GFRP rebar addresses facility, marina project challenges
The company’s Mateenbar GFRP rebar has led to more durable solutions for production of a new medical research center, and to improve structures regularly exposed to harsh marine conditions.
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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.
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Evolving natural fiber technology to meet industry sustainability needs
From flax fiber composite boats to RV exterior panels to a circularity model with partnerships in various end markets, Greenboats strives toward its biomaterials and sustainable composites vision in an ever-changing market.
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