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30 June 2022

Steel in shipbuilding

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Sailing the seas, rivers and lakes has never been safer thanks to the development of new technologies and materials allowing the naval industry to evolve and grow. And what role does steel play in this matter? Let us tell you!

In the history of humanity, there are records from thousands of years ago telling how people used hollowed-out tree trunks to transport themselves across the water. Over time, boats were built from wood and propelled by oars, and then, to harness the power of the wind, ships started using sails.

Over thousands of years of evolution, the materials used to create boats have also evolved, from the wood of dug-out canoes to the metal hulls of large ocean-going vessels. These are some of the most popular materials in use today:

Steel

Steel sheets are used to form the structures of some of the largest vessels in the world, from the U.S. Navy’s Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ships to the cruise ship Harmony of the Seas, capable of bearing 6,360 passengers and 2,100 crew members, a floating county of seven districts with aquatic entertainment areas, several restaurants and bars and the largest spa on board a ship.

Another development changing the world is the NGO The Ocean Cleanup's Interceptor trash collection system, a steel catamaran that works autonomously to clean up the world's rivers and oceans. Thanks to its double keel design, the water flow path is optimized to pass through the system, ferrying plastic on the water’s surface onto a conveyor belt that delivers it onto a shuttle and thence into a dumpster before returning to shore where the garbage is sorted and recycled.

The catamaran is 100% solar-powered and has a collection capacity of 50,000 kilos of garbage per day. Thanks to the steel hull, its creators know it can withstand the onslaught of the elements and even corrosive substances.

But why choose steel to create ships? Because it is ductile, malleable, weldable and extremely tough. Saline and coastal environments require materials of outstanding quality to ensure boats have an optimal useful life. The metal is produced in different grades to reinforce its ability to withstand constant use over time, as well as extreme temperatures and harsh environments.

For cargo or passenger transport vessels, as well as battleships, this iron and carbon alloy is essential. At international level, there are certain welding and quality specifications that steel used in ships must meet in order to avoid accidents. The American Bureau of Shipping, founded in 1862, frequently issues and updates manuals, such as the 2022 Rules for the Construction and Classification of Steel Barges.

Wood

Used in the first vessels made by man and still essential for the boat-building industry today, wood offers strength and versatility as it can be crafted into different shapes for small and medium-sized boats. However, as continued contact with water can damage it, it must be reinforced with other materials and requires special treatment during the building process.

Fiberglass

Small boats, such as those used for fishing or transporting small numbers of passengers, often have hulls made of fiberglass. This material offers a good cost-benefit ratio and also ensures sufficient resistance over time to guarantee safety.

Of the many different materials used to build boats, steel is essential to provide safety and durability, not only to guarantee their useful life but also in terms of ensuring reliable long-term quality performance for daily use.

Did you know about these aspects of steel?

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