The Potential for the use of composite materials in marine structures

The technology of composite materials in the marine industry, in the form of glass-reinforced plastic, is now mature, and the time is ripe to develop the use of the next generation of composite materials to improve the cost-effectiveness of marine structures. Structural problems in surface ships, submarines and some other marine structures are reviewed in this light and new applications are proposed. In order to bring these new applications to fruition, further research is needed and a framework for this is suggested. However, to ensure customer acceptance of novel applications, the cost benefits of new material applications must be proven, and proposals are also made towards achieving this outcome.