There is research showing that,for every 1,000 kg increase in the ship’s weight,1 liter of gasoline is consumed.Therefore,how to reduce ship weight?Reducing vessel weight can by using new composite materials,such as GelCeramic Lightweight® composite stone to build the ship body.In addition to the above method,there is other ship weight saving tips–adopt aluminum or aluminum honeycomb furniture.Using aluminum or aluminum honeycomb furniture is easier for most existing vessels.
The important of reducing vessel weight is not only to improve fuel efficiency,but also to increase ship speed.Traditional furniture materials like wood and steel are usually heavy in weight.While the emergence of aluminum solve this problem well.Here are the comparison between aluminum and wood & aluminum and steel.
Aluminum vs Wood for Ship Furniture
| Features | Aluminum | Wood |
| Durability | Has strong corrosion resistance and moisture resistance | Ordinary wood is prone to decay and mold in humid conditions. |
| Weight | Lightweight,can help reduce overall vessel weight | Heavier than aluminum,may contribute to higher fuel consumption |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance,easy to clean and don’t need sealing | Requires regular sealing,painting and care to prevent decay |
| Strength | Strong and rigid | High strength.But may warp or crack over time |
| Appearance | Will get a modern and industrial marine interior design;customizable with coating | Warm and classic;can be painted |
| Cost | Higher initial material and fabrication costs | Generally cheaper upfront,but may cost more to maintain long-term |
| Sustainability | Recyclable and eco-friendly | Renewable resource;eco-friendly |
Aluminum Bunk Bed
Blue aluminum nautical bunk bed W2032*D1016*H2184mm
Wooden Bunk Bed
Marine plywood bunk bed W2080*D880*H2000mm
Aluminum vs Steel for Ship Furniture
| Feature | Aluminum | Steel (Mild steel & Stainless steel) |
| Weight | Very lightweight | Heavy |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Mild steel easy to rust;stainless steel resists better but at higher cost |
| Strength | Strong,especially with structural reinforcements | Excellent strength and load-bearing capacity |
| Maintenance | Occasional cleaning and inspection | Requires regular maintenance (especially mild steel) to avoid rust |
| Durability | Very durable and long-lasting in sea environments | Durable,but prone to corrosion unless stainless or well-coated |
| Cost | Material and fabrication costs higher than mild steel | Mild steel is cheaper;stainless steel is much more expensive |
| Workability | Easier to machine and fabricate due to softness | Heavier and harder to work with;may require special tools |
| Aesthetics | Sleek,modern and clean finish,suitable for interiors | Polished stainless steel looks premium |
Aluminum Locker
Aluminum storage locker W460*D560*H2010mm
Steel Locker
Steel locker W457*D594*H1981mm
Different shipboard furniture materials have different advantages.Thus,can select different materials’ furniture according to actual situation.
How to reduce ship weight?
Shipboard furniture is essential on board.Can reduce the load of ships by using aluminum or aluminum honeycomb these ship furniture construction materials. Aluminum furniture are lightweight and anti-corrosion.As a consequence,it very suitable for marine environments.
The role of aluminum furniture in reducing vessel weight
Aluminum has lightweight construction,can replace traditional wooden or steel furniture.
① The density of aluminum itself is around 2.7g/cm³,much lower than traditional steel (density is around 7.8g/cm³).Compared to same volume of wooden or steel furniture,the weight of aluminum furniture can reduce around 30-60%.
② Aluminum furniture is widely used in ship cockpits,crew cabins,kitchens,storage areas,etc.In fact,it can almost replace traditional wood or steel furniture.This significantly reduce the overall ship weight.Especially suitable for speedboat,warship and yacht that weight-sensitive boat types.
③ Although the aluminum is lightweight,it has high strength.Besides,it has excellent anti-corrosion performance,suit marine environment.
To summarize the above points,aluminum not only has lightweight construction,but also has high strength.Moreover,it is anti-corrosion.
Application of aluminum in marine furniture
Density of aluminum is 1/3 of steel,this greatly help reduce the overall weight of furniture.Meanwhile,reducing vessel weight can help reduce fuel consumption,enhance load efficiency and sailing speed.
Application Scenarios:
- Crew quarters / Navy quarters – aluminum bed frames,storage locker and wardrobe.
- Mess hall / Rest areas – aluminum alloy table,aluminum frame sofa and aluminum dining table.
- Control room / office room – aluminum office desk,storage locker and locker with drawers.
- Kitchen room / laundry room – aluminum storage rack,locker and storage shelves.
Aluminum furniture has smooth surface,easy to clean and maintain. However,with the emergence of aluminum honeycomb,further reducing vessel weight.
Innovation of aluminum honeycomb
The occurrence of aluminum honeycomb further reduces the weight of ship furniture.Aluminum honeycomb furniture combine lightweight core material and aluminum panel,have a high strength.You can see aluminum honeycomb furniture in high-end vessel.
Role of aluminum honeycomb furniture in reducing vessel weight
Aluminum honeycomb is lighter than aluminum in same volume.Furthermore,aluminum honeycomb have stronger structural strength.
① Ultra-light weight: the proportion of aluminum honeycomb structure can low to 1.5g/cm³,30%-50% lighter than ordinary aluminum plate.A complete aluminum honeycomb furniture 15-30% lighter than a traditional aluminum furniture.
② Honeycomb structure imitates the natural honeycomb,can withstand relatively high pressure.The strength per unit weight even exceeds parts of solid structures.
③ Aluminum honeycomb furniture equip with good fire protection level (A1/A2).Simultaneously,it isn’t absorb water and anti-mildew.
④ It can choose various finishes,such as wood grain film,spraying,anodizing,etc.Able to meet the different needs of different cabin decorations.
To sum up,aluminum honeycomb has ultra-light weight,and it is fireproof and waterproof.The most ideal material to reducing vessel weight is using aluminum honeycomb.
Aluminum honeycomb
Aluminum honeycomb bed
Aluminum honeycomb innovation case in reducing vessel weight
A luxury yacht brand in Italy pursues a highly comfortable experience.Meanwhile,they need by reducing vessel weight to enhance sailing speed and fuel efficiency.As a result,they decide use aluminum honeycomb panel to replace traditional wooden and solid core aluminum furniture.
✔️ The panel they use is aluminum alloy plate (thickness 0.8mm),the core material is 6mm thick hexagonal aluminum honeycomb core.And using high performance epoxy resin hot pressing composite for adhesive.They use aluminum honeycomb in nightstand,wardrobe,storage locker body,wall panel,mess table and some chairs,etc.
✔️ Aluminum honeycomb furniture 60% lighter than traditional wood furniture,significantly improve the ship’s thrust to weight ratio.Honeycomb structure have excellent compression and bending resistance,can improve the stability of furniture.
✔️ The use of aluminum honeycomb make the overall ship weight reduce 1.8 tons,fuel consumption savings of approximately 7%.In addition,the maintenance frequency is down,without replace furniture record in five years.Customers feedback the grade of modernity and quality of the interior are raise.
This case shows aluminum honeycomb as the innovation of furniture,not only can reduce ship weight,but also can promote design aesthetics and sustainable development.
