Pushpank Kaushik, CEO, Jassper Shipping, explores how stainless steel is revolutionising the modern shipping industry, ensuring the safety and durability of modern ships amidst challenging maritime conditions.
The Indian maritime shipping sector flourishes with enormous ships sailing through choppy waters. These modern ships transport a huge variety of goods, from raw materials to finished products, ensuring that the global economies stay constantly interconnected. As per IBEF reports, major ports in India handled 783.50 million tonnes of cargo traffic, implying a CAGR of 3.26 per cent in FY16-23. However, ensuring the safety and durability of these vessels requires strong materials that can tolerate harsh marine conditions. Ships and marine structures face many challenges in maintaining their structural integrity. To overcome the challenge, stainless steel emerges as an essential element in modern shipping, providing strength and protection in diverse marine applications. Its structure characteristics make it an ideal element for various components and constructions utilised in the maritime sector.
Challenges faced
The uncertain waters pose a multitude of challenges to the operational efficiency of ships. Constant exposure to seawater, moisture and salt causes corrosion and deterioration of conventional materials, ultimately leading to structural weakness and operational hazards. The ocean experiences varying temperatures, from hot tropics to cold polar regions. Materials that expand and contract too much can lead to cracks and weaken the overall structure. Accidents on the high seas can be devastating and fires fueled by oil and other flammable cargo also cause potential damage. Explosions, whether accidental or intentional, can cause massive destruction.
A superior solution
Stainless steel is considered a compelling solution to major maritime challenges. Its unique properties make it an ideal material for various shipboard applications.
Corrosion resistance: The key benefit of utilising stainless steel is its remarkable corrosion resistance. Ship and marine structures are constantly exposed to harsh environmental conditions which can accelerate the corrosion of traditional carbon steel. The addition of chromium in stainless steel creates a protective chromium oxide layer on the surface, effectively preventing the underlying metal from rust and degradation.
Superior strength: Different grades of stainless steel offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios. This allows for the construction of lighter, more fuel-efficient ships without compromising structural integrity. Its longevity ensures that marine equipment and structures remain operational and reliable over extended periods, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and replacement.
Temperature resilience: Stainless steel maintains its mechanical properties across a wide temperature range from hot to cold, making it suitable for complex marine environments. This translates to less warping, distortion and stress on welds, leading to a more robust and reliable ship structure.
Fire resistance: Certain grades of stainless steel have high melting points and resist deformation under intense heat, offering enhanced fire protection. Also, specific types of stainless steel offer a certain level of protection against explosions in comparison to conventional materials.
Applications of stainless steel in modern shipping
The impact of stainless steel extends throughout a modern ship’s construction and operation. Here are some key areas of application:
- Cargo holds: Stainless steel is becoming a preferred material for cargo holds, especially for sensitive cargo. Its smooth, non-porous surface minimises the risk of contamination and makes cleaning easier. Additionally, its corrosion-resistant property enhances the longevity of the cargo area.
- Hulls: Although the entire hull may not be made of stainless steel because of cost constraints, certain parts are more commonly made with it. Stainless steel sheets are utilised on outer decks, superstructures, and bow sections to minimise maintenance needs and extend the lifespan of the ship.
- Tanks: Liquid cargo like oil, chemicals, and freshwater are often stored in stainless steel tanks. This ensures product purity and minimises the risk of leakage or contamination.
- Deck hardware: Many deck fittings, railings, and hatches are manufactured with stainless steel due to their strength and low maintenance requirements. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and require minimal cleaning compared to traditional materials.
- Lifesaving equipment: Lifeboats, davits, and other lifesaving equipment often utilise stainless steel due to its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to maintain functionality even after prolonged exposure to seawater.
Offshore platforms and port infrastructure
Offshore platforms and structures face extreme conditions like salt water, strong winds and corrosive elements. Stainless steel is essential for maintaining the longevity and dependability of offshore infrastructure due to its ability to resist corrosion and endure harsh weather conditions makes it essential for use in offshore settings.
From mooring systems and dockside cranes to storage tanks and loading equipment, stainless steel contributes to the efficiency and safety of port operations. Its resistance to corrosion and low maintenance requirements make it a cost-effective choice for long-term use in port facilities.
The role of stainless steel in modern shipping is integral to ensuring durability and safety in marine operations. Its exceptional safety attributes make it a preferred choice for a wide range of marine applications, from shipbuilding to offshore installations. By leveraging the unique properties of stainless steel, the shipping industry continues to advance in reliability, safety, and environmental sustainability, shaping the future of maritime technologies and infrastructure.
About the author: With a degree in MBA from SP Jain School of Global Management, Pushpank Kaushik brings a wealth of
professional knowledge and international experience to the table. Pushpank Kaushik is a driven and enthusiastic CEO at Jassper Shipping from the last 12 years. His remarkable managerial skills and insights gained during his education have helped him to lead the company towards success.
Pushpank inherited his family’s logistics business, which was established in 1993, and has been working tirelessly to expand its reach globally. With his expertise in management, a passion for
logistics, and a mission to provide seamless shipping, Pushpank has been able to develop the company’s presence in various countries including India, Singapore, and Dubai. With a proven track record and a visionary mindset, he is now embarking on a new venture to expand operations in Netherlands and Mombasa, as well as cover major ports in India.
