Now is the time to make the change from metal to composites in naval shipbuilding

For shipbuilding, fiber reinforced plastics have clear advantages over metals, especially in military ships. Still, the navies of the world have not massively changed over to composites yet. There is a sense of urgency though, especially in Dutch and Scandinavian shipbuilders, that now is the time to really make that change happen. We talked to experts from Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in Vlissingen, the Netherlands, and learned about the advantages of composites, but also about the challenges that have to be overcome.