South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co Ltd (DSME) and UK's Intelligent Engineering (IE) have announced to form a joint venture agreement for the use of SPS (Sandwich Plate System) technology in shipbuilding. The Sandwich Plate System, 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. Although SPS has become widely used in maritime repair, this is the first major agreement to be signed for its use in mainstream shipbuilding. 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.
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. The two companies will commence work 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. According to a senior executive with DSME, the combined work programme between DSME and IE is expected to unveil major improvements that should benefit the whole shipbuilding industry while a representative of IE renders SPS as a new materials technology which has the capability to revolutionize the industry. 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.
12-Nov-08 
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