As shipbuilding consultants, we work with maritime industry experts to provide both technical and commercial insight that combines traditional practices with new technology.
Thanks to The Royal Institute of Naval Architects and our partners, Bayards Yacht Structures and Sika, our collaboration led to a documentary series on the future of shipbuilding and aluminium structural bonding:
Aluminium has been widely used in marine applications for decades. It provides high strength, durability and versatility, and is infinitely recyclable, as well as being anti-corrosive and lightweight.
These characteristics can ensure higher speeds, greater fuel efficiency, bigger payloads and superior design, which enhances competitiveness and sustainability.
The Archipelago 47 expedition yacht under construction
A shortage of skilled fabricators and welders throughout the industry and the demand for cost-effective and sustainable solutions have required innovative thinking.
This has led to significant and effective advances in structural bonding and joining techniques.
What we have achieved so far:
Adhesive structural bonding offers shipbuilders and outfitters the opportunity to reduce weight and increase strength in a range of vessels and applications. It reduces distortion and increases load distribution, improving the ship's life-cycle performance and aesthetic.
Together with our partners, we have also developed applications and processes to enhance outfitting, including fast-fixed foundations.
We provided technical expertise and training for the optimised window bonding process for the Uber Thames Clippers by Wight Shipyard Co.
Friction stir welding uses pressure instead of melting to fuse two pieces of aluminium at the joint by mechanically intermixing them.
Traditional welding often leads to material deformation due to extreme heat. However, the friction stir welding process preserves the original characteristics of the metal, ensuring minimal distortion, with a structure that is lighter, stronger and more manufacturing efficient.
Bayards Yacht Structures use one of the largest friction stir welding machines in Europe.
We are shaping the future of aluminium shipbuilding with innovative techniques and end-to-end development journeys. We see a balance of conventional welding, friction stir welding and structural bonding where multiple practices enhance the overall shipbuilding process. With clients and co-makers, we work together to optimise process efficiency, increase product quality and reduce overall costs and environmental impact.
Bayards shares in the Netherland’s long history of shipbuilding, with a deep commitment to using technology to ensure product quality, process efficiency and sustainability.
Their range of innovative machines enables them to meet the challenging demands of the production and engineering process with strong, sustainable, lightweight marine structures.
We share their goals and have provided the technical and commercial expertise to support them.
Wight Shipyard Co is on of Europe's leading high-speed craft and aluminium shipbuilders, including an ongoing series of high-quality vessels for London’s Thames Clippers.
Together with our partners, we technically and commercially support them to create and develop an innovative structural bonding process that meets their high standards – including aluminium structural bonding such as above-deck shell plating, as well as sealing applications, window bonding and structural fast fixes.
Pendennis Shipyard is one of the world’s leading superyacht refit and custom build facilities, based Falmouth, Devon.
Together with our partners, we technically and commercially support them on their aluminium river cruiser, through product trials, testing and implementation of structural bonding for seats.
Sika is a world leader in the development and manufacture of a complete range of adhesives, sealants and flooring solutions. As a global supplier, their technology is used in the construction, repair and maintenance of marine vessels across the maritime industry.
With our technical and commercial knowledge, we support the development of innovative products and applications. We test and trial their use to formulate the ideal implementation process and we train shipbuilders and outfitters on how to use them. To ensure optimum performance, we support product implementation, arrange the supply of materials and through service application.
With design details and comprehensive type approval, we are ready to implement class-approved aluminium structural bonding on your vessel and train your team in the process.
Get in touch with Chris Dowland our Business Development and Technical Director.
