Aluminum construction increases speed and size, enhances fuel economy, seaworthiness, safety, and reliability, and lowers maintenance. Weight savings of 35% to 45% in hulls, and 55% to 65% in superstructures, can be achieved with aluminum compared to steel. Higher vessel speeds and load capacities, enabled by use of aluminum, attract extra traffic volume and profit for the ferry operator.

Photo on top: The Italian all aluminum yacht, Destriero, (pictured), won the Blue Riband in 1992 when it beat the previous record by almost 2 days.
Photo on bottom: Several dozen aluminum-intensive fast ferries, now operating, each have the ability to handle up to 1,500 passengers and 375 cars and travel at speeds of 30-50 knots. In many cases, integrally stiffened and mechanically interlocked extrusions are used for decks, roofing and other structures with conventional welded extrusions and sheet used for hulls and framing.

Used in the marine industry for more than 100 years, aluminum combines light weight and ease of fabrication with corrosion and fatigue resistance. Aluminum 's unique characteristics allow vessel volume and height to be increased without loss of stability. Passenger compartments can be larger and more cabins can be located above sea level. Cruise ships gain increased manoeuverability and access to shallow draft ports through the use of aluminum.

Aluminum is recognized by and complies with the requirements of the High Speed Code of the International Maritime Organization, for vessel design, safety, and control of fire risk. The metal stands up to the torsional, flexural, compression and impact loads of high speed water travel as well or better than steel.

Aluminum-intensive cargo ships with load capacities up to 3,000 metric tons are under design to operate at up to 60 knots, cross the Atlantic in under 60 hours, and handle Class 6 seas. Military requirements seek smaller, more agile vessel designs with a lower radar cross section and capable of 60 to 80 knots or more - another excellent fit for aluminum given aluminum manufacturing advances, such as friction-stir welding and structural bonding.

Off Shore Platforms, Helidecks, Seawalls

In water depths of 400 feet, a one-ton weight savings in platform superstructure means a weight savings of 6 tons in the supporting structure.

Aluminum is often used in the construction of helicopter decks (helidecks) for resupply of oil rigs.

Marine-grade aluminum alloys offer maintenance free service with remarkable corrosion resistance.

Using aluminum components reduces handling and offshore lifting costs, and speeds assembly.

Aluminum does not burn and presents no thermite sparking risks.

Even in salt water applications, little or no protective coatings are required for aluminum seawalls.

Photo on top: The first all-aluminum oil rig was installed in Venezuela in 1957.
Photo on bottom: Seawalls, must offer long-term structural integrity and resistance to the elements.

Marine grade aluminum alloys are used for helidecks, telescoping bridges, accommodation modules, stair towers, cable ladders, fire walls, mud mats, gratings, and many other applications around the globe. Aluminum structures weigh 40-70% less than equivalent steel structures in these applications. Larger, lighter aluminum structures can be handled and lifted with smaller, less expensive equipment. In marine environments, properly selected aluminum alloys require no painting or protection against exposure, and require little or no maintenance.

Aluminum is widely used in cruise ships, pleasure boats, irrigation pipe, heat exchangers, sewage treatment plants, and rain carrying equipment because of its durability in the natural environment. Installations of aluminum culvert sheeting and pipelines have shown its resistance to corrosion in many soils. Some aluminum drill pipes, for example, have been in use for more than 20 years.

Aluminum sheet piling systems' success is documented through more than two decades in various applications in both fresh and salt water. The many satisfied users of aluminum sheet piling include the US Corps of Engineers, US Soil Conservation Service, the US Department of Agriculture, US Navy, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and state, county and municipal entities and the private sector.

Aluminum seawall shapes are extruded, achieving the most strength with the least material. Since aluminum is easy to extrude and fabricate, retrofitting offshore platforms and customization is cost-effective. Designers can create either a single-piece component, bolted connections, or interlocking sections for fast and simple fit-up on site. Aluminum can be connected and secured using a wide variety of proven mechanical methods and is welded three times faster than steel, using inexpensive MIG machines. Aluminum is non-combustible and gives off no flammable vapor when heated - both safety advantages in off shore applications such as helidecks.