Synthetic piping on board: why shipbuilding is increasingly choosing an alternative to metal

Shipbuilding under pressure to build more efficiently

The maritime sector faces ever-greater challenges. Shipbuilders and ship owners are constantly looking for ways to reduce vessel weight, lower maintenance costs, and increase the reliability of technical installations.

Traditionally, metal piping was the material of choice for this. Today, however, interest is growing in high-quality synthetic piping systems as a full-fledged alternative — especially when these systems hold maritime certifications, such as DNV certification, confirming that they meet the strict requirements of the shipping industry.

Less weight, more efficiency

Weight plays a crucial role in shipbuilding. Every kilogram saved contributes to a more efficient vessel and can have a positive impact on fuel consumption, cargo capacity, and ease of installation.

Henco multilayer pipes are significantly lighter than traditional metal piping, offering several advantages:

• easier transport and handling on board;

• faster, more efficient installation;

• a lower overall weight for the vessel.

In addition, the combination of strength and dimensional stability often allows bracket spacing to be optimized. This means fewer fixing points are needed, which can reduce both material use and installation time.

Corrosion remains a challenge at sea

The maritime environment places high demands on technical installations. Salt water, humidity, and strong temperature fluctuations can put materials under heavy strain.

Where metal piping can become susceptible to corrosion over time, high-quality synthetic fittings and multilayer pipes offer a corrosion-resistant alternative. As a result, the piping system's performance is preserved over the long term, even under the challenging conditions at sea.

Synthetic piping: faster installation, less maintenance

Alongside durability, installation efficiency is also a key factor in shipbuilding. Modern synthetic piping systems enable fast, safe, and reliable assembly.

This shortens installation time during new-build and renovation projects and helps keep labor costs under control. Synthetic piping systems also generally require less maintenance over their lifespan, contributing to lower operational costs for ship owners and operators.

Henco: reliable solutions for maritime applications

With the required certifications for specific maritime applications, Henco offers a reliable solution for a wide range of installations on board. DNV certification, combined with the proven performance of the multilayer system, gives shipbuilders and installers the assurance that they can count on a high-quality, durable solution.

The properties that have made Henco successful for years in residential and industrial projects — reliability, durability, and ease of installation — also bring clear added value within shipbuilding.

Our technical specialists are happy to think along on applications where performance, safety, and sustainability are central.

The future of piping systems at sea

When choosing a piping system today, far more factors come into play than tradition alone. Weight, durability, maintenance needs, and installation efficiency are becoming increasingly important in the decision-making of shipbuilders and ship owners.

Synthetic piping systems are therefore proving themselves, more and more often, as a full-fledged alternative to metal — a development visible not only in shipbuilding, but also across many other sectors where reliability, durability, and efficiency are essential.