| Abstract: | Within the paper a short overview is given regarding the application of advanced materials in the shipbuilding world. The trends for application of high‐strength structural steel, aluminium alloys and composites as well as their limits and restrictions are mentioned. Specific attention is paid to material and corrosion problems observed in shipbuilding and ships in service. As main topics the application of high‐tensile strength structural steel for ship structural members, for ballast water tanks and the involved corrosion problems, the fatigue resistance and “undermatch” situation of welded aluminium alloys compared to steel as well as the corrosion of composites, i.e. osmosis, are mentioned. New developments of ships, e.g. high‐speed crafts and wigs, are pointed out. Conclusions for further research and development in the material field are drawn. The importance of the inter‐relationships amongst the improved material properties, design and calculation aspects as well as the fabrication technologies are stated. |
