The use of composite materials is widely established in the nautical sector, where they allow for the manufacture of lighter, faster, more durable, and efficient vessels. Their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and design freedom make them an optimal solution for high-performance naval applications.

Shipyards and manufacturers use different combinations of composite materials and manufacturing processes depending on the type of vessel, its operational requirements, and the structural demands of the project. The technical department of MEL Composites has solid experience in the naval sector and advises on the selection of materials, structural cores, and production processes for each application.

Main applications

• Racing sailboats and motorboats
  Ultralight and high-stiffness structures for maximum performance, such as those used in top-level competitions, including the America's Cup.
• Patrol boats and military vessels
  Robust and lightweight solutions for coast guards, customs, troop landing, and high-demand operations.
• Recreational boats
  Sailboats and motorboats with durable structures, resistant to the marine environment and osmotic attack.
• Submarines and special applications
  Materials with high resistance to underwater pressure and advantages in radar signature reduction.
• LNG carriers
  Specific applications for liquefied natural gas (LNG) insulation.
• Small boats and water sports
  Light sailing, surfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, canoeing, and rowing.
• Commercial vessels
  Professional fishing, harbor pilots, maritime rescue, passenger transport, and rigid-inflatable boats.

Structural advantages

High-speed vessels require extremely lightweight materials that are impact-resistant. In this area, structural cores such as Aircell technical foams offer excellent mechanical performance and high energy absorption capacity.

In general terms, sandwich construction provides high stiffness with reduced weight, resulting in lower energy consumption, greater autonomy, increased load capacity, and a more profitable operation of the vessel.