Daewoo to use SPS technology

Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) and Intelligent Engineering (IE) entered into a joint venture agreement for the use of SPS (sandwich plate system) technology in shipbuilding. Although SPS has become widely used in ship repair, this is the first major agreement to be signed for its use in mainstream shipbuilding.

SPS uses a solid polyurethane elastomer core to bind together two steel plates. The resultant composite material, which has been developed and patented by IE, is ideally suited to maritime applications. Compared to stiffened steel, which is labour intensive and susceptible to fatigue and corrosion, SPS requires 40% less labour, significantly reduces build complexity and costs, and provides superior life cycle performance. To quote Lloyd?s Register, “SPS is superior in every practical way to conventional stiffened steel plate.”

DSME has been working with IE for the past year, developing and testing new applications. The first project involved the design and construction of a hoistable car deck as would be used on a pure car carrier. Work will now commence on an extensive programme that includes lightweight car decks, accommodation blocks, tank tops and hatch covers. Construction of the first hatch cover has already been completed.

LR will be closely involved in the programme and will incorporate the results in an update of their provisional rules for SPS. The new venture will also be closely supported by BASF, one of the world?s largest chemical companies, which supplies the polyurethane elastomer and has been involved throughout the development of the SPS Technology.

Commenting on the announcement, Young-Youl Koh, DSME?s Chief Strategy Officer said “This is an exciting new opportunity for us. We have been very impressed with the SPS technology. Our continuing work programme with IE promises major improvements that should benefit the whole shipbuilding industry. The potential value to our customers is enormous.”

Michael Kennedy, CEO of IE, added “We are delighted to be partnering DSME, one of the world?s foremost shipbuilders. SPS is an important new materials technology that has the capability to transform the industries in which it is applied. We have already seen this in ship repair and we are beginning to see it in civil engineering. Together with our partner DSME, we will now be able to bring the change to shipbuilding.”

Richard Sadler, CEO of Lloyd?s Register, said “We have long considered SPS a major advance in shipbuilding and we are delighted to be so closely involved in this important new development between IE and DSME.”

The agreement between IE and DSME provides for the formation of a new company, in which DSME will be a significant shareholder. This company will develop and licence SPS technology for shipbuilding and offshore applications.