Sandvik Materials Technology, Sweden, announces that its Sandvik SAF 2507 high-strength super-duplex stainless steel has been selected for Project P16 Prototype, an innovative 56-foot prototype boat being built by Swedish Steel Yacht AB. The aim of the project is to evaluate an entirely new technology for constructing more efficient, stronger, and maintenance-free vessels. On completion, the new boat can potentially open up a whole new market for vessels of this type. The prototype boat is aimed to be used by the Coast Guard and sea-rescue services, or as a civilian transport boat.
The new boat will be built of high-strength, maintenance-free stainless steel under a partnership agreement signed by Swedish Steel Yachts AB (SSY), Sandvik Materials Technology, AGA Gas, Saab, and Scania CV.
Sandvik SAF 2507 (UNS S32750) is a super-duplex stainless steel; a high-alloy duplex steel with a PRE (pitting resistance equivalent) value of min. 42. The grade is characterized by very good resistance to chloride corrosion, combined with very high mechanical strength. Sandvik SAF 2507 is particularly suited for service in aggressive environments such as warm chlorinated seawater and acidic, chloride-containing media.
“This is a very exciting development and evaluation project between four major Swedish companies,” says Pasi Kangas, Head of Research and Development at Sandvik Materials Technology. “it could solve several key challenges in the boatbuilding industry, by providing more efficient, safer, and greener boats in the future.”
The shipping industry currently accounts for a substantial portion of air and sea environmental impact around the world. This is a key factor in the design of the new boat, which requires less material, thereby lightening the vessel and reducing fuel consumption. In addition, the shipbuilding material, Sandvik’s advanced steel Sandvik SAF 2507, is 100% recyclable stainless steel and will not need to be painted with poisonous antifouling paint, as is the case with traditional shipbuilding materials.
The vessel will be delivered in the first quarter of 2017 and is being built in Gävle, Sweden, by SSY. On completion, the vessel will be used mainly by Saab and based in Karlskrona.
