SHIP DECK Solutions
The Achilles heel of the industry
The maritime look of the oiled brown or patinated grey teak is very much the eyecatcher of the yachting industry and the timbers appearance is therefore a benchmark for alternatives to this high-end segment.
Yachting and maritime traditions are heavily linked to the use of natural teak and few other precious timber species. A few species are the very symbol of maritime culture dating back to times of the great sailing ships.
Ship deck has turned out to be Achilles heel of industry. The question is now whether new and emerging synthetic materials such as expanded foam and PVC alongside the concerns of deforestation, involvement in conflict timber will fade out this historical connection between shipbuilding and the forest - or is there a second path that could strengthen the bond in a sustainable manor?
COPING WITH THE TEAK HEADACHE
Having spoken to shipbuilders and long-time timber traders, we can only draw one conclusion:
“There is no substitute species that offer the technical qualities and beauty of natural teak”.
Teak (Tectona grandis) is the world’s most iconic tropical hardwood species used in ships. In newer history, this strong and durable timber species rich in water-, weather- and pest-resistant natural oils is best known as beautiful and iconic non-slip decking material for luxury yachts.
Only a few countries in Southeast Asia still have old teak forests left, but these have declined rapidly in recent decades. The timber from these forests is often on the radar of NGOs and authorities questioning the origin, the legality, and the sustainability of the timber.
Most significant is the attention surrounding ‘Burmese teak’ – the commonly used tradename for the high-quality teak from Myanmar. This teak is now more than ever linked to the stories of conflict and the unstable political situation in Myanmar – a country moving in and out of embargoes.
In recent years, the European Timber Regulation and the US Lacey Act has made it illegal to import timber from Myanmar, but stories of illegally logged timber smuggled out of Myanmar and ending up as decking on luxury yachts still seem to resurface from time to time.
Time is up for new solutions!
INNOVATION NEEDED
The yachting and shipbuilding sector in general has the potential to be a frontrunner when it comes to communication and innovation on responsible wood products.
In line with an increasing focus on bio-based materials, we are also seeing a new era in the innovation of wood as a replacement for fossil-based products or artificial fibres with various types of negative environmental impact.
Teak alternatives need to be developed with innovation and tested on a bigger scale. There is a need for multi-solution approaches to investigating species alternatives, cutting techniques and the latest knowledge of wood technology such as modification.
Optimally, not just a single solution should be sought, but approaches that cover wood from the tropical forests as well as the more temperate forests – and from the more natural forests as well as plantations.
requirements for a ship deck
The technical requirements for wood used for ships can be quite specific and demanding, as the wood must be able to withstand the harsh conditions of the marine environment.
The wood for ship decks must be able to withstand the constant exposure to water, salt, and sun, as well as the wear and tear of regular use.
Focus areas:
Dimensional stability
High durability
Hardness/ toughness
Appearance
Coloration – Patina
Anti-slip texture
Heat absorption
Natrual Teak (Tectona grandis)
New approaches
Forest-based alternatives to decks of natural teak is challenged. New solution calls for strong alliances and multiple solutions.
Optimally, not just a single solution should be sought, but approaches that cover wood from the tropical forests as well as the more temperate forests – and from natural forests as well as plantations.
Multi-species strategies
Plantation wood
Sawmill technology and cutting techniques
Fine lined veneering
Modification and treatment
Non-timber forest products (cork )
Hybrids (wood on cork)
Reclaimed materials
Fineline plantations teak from WolzNautic