Shipbuilding and Marine Structures

Seawater is the harshest natural electrolyte: roughly 19,000 ppm chloride, plus wet–dry cycling and crevices. Here the first criterion is not strength but the material's resistance to crevice corrosion.

Describe your application Browse Products

Typical Components and Material Selection

Component	Grade	Surface / Size	Watch Out For
Deck railings / outfitting	316L	Tube / profile, ground	Salt spray, post-weld passivation
Seawater piping	2205 / 6Mo	Seamless / welded pipe	Pitting corrosion, flow erosion
LNG tank inner shell	304L / 304	Plate 8–50 mm	Low-temperature toughness, class approval
Accommodation / galley equipment	304 / 316L	0.8–2 mm, 2B/HL	Cleanability, fingerprint resistance
Fasteners / fixings	316 / 2205	Bar / forging	Stress corrosion cracking

These are typical configurations.Actual selection depends on the environment, temperature, and welding method— a single part may shift from 304 to 316L or 2205. Describing the service conditions is more useful than naming a grade.

Three Practical Constraints in This Sector

Crevice corrosion is the dominant failure cause

Under gaskets and where brackets meet the hull, 304 rusts within months. Design to eliminate crevices (continuous welds, drain holes) and upgrade to 316L or 2205.

Secure class approval early

DNV / ABS / LR / CCS each maintain their own approved materials lists. A better grade that isn't approved won't pass inspection — check at the quotation stage.

Welding distortion accumulates at assembly

Thin outfitting parts distort, and the error accumulates at final assembly. Pre-fabricate in sections with anti-distortion fixtures and leave cutting allowance.