Marine

Aluminum's use in marine applications can increase the speed and size of boats, yachts, ferries, and ships, while improving their fuel economy, seaworthiness, safety, reliability, maintenance costs. Substitution of aluminum for steel can result in weight savings of 35 percent to 45 percent in hulls and 55 percent to 65 percent in superstructures. Higher vessel speeds and load capacities can mean extra traffic volume and profit for a ship or boat operator.

Used in the marine industry for more than 100 years, aluminum combines light weight and ease of fabrication with corrosion and fatigue resistance. Aluminum 's unique characteristics allow vessel volume and height to be increased without loss of stability. Passenger compartments can be larger and more cabins can be located above sea level. Cruise ships gain increased manoeuverability and access to shallow draft ports through the use of aluminum.

Fast ferries, a growing marine application for aluminum, each have the ability to handle up to 1,500 passengers and 375 cars and travel at speeds of 30-50 knots. In many cases, integrally stiffened and mechanically interlocked extrusions are used for decks, roofing and other structures with conventional welded extrusions and sheet used for hulls and framing.

Aluminum-intensive cargo ships with load capacities up to 3,000 metric tons are under design to operate at up to 60 knots, cross the Atlantic in under 60 hours, and handle Class 6 seas. Military requirements seek smaller, more agile vessel designs with a lower radar cross section and capable of 60 to 80 knots or more - another excellent fit for aluminum given aluminum manufacturing advances, such as friction-stir welding and structural bonding.

Aluminum is recognized by and complies with the requirements of the High Speed Code of the International Maritime Organization, for vessel design, safety, and control of fire risk. The metal stands up to the torsional, flexural, compression and impact loads of high speed water travel as well or better than steel.

Offshore
Aluminum at SEA -Speed, Endurance,Affordability
Aluminum Boats