Shipbuilding & Offshore

Seawater is the most demanding natural electrolyte: roughly 19,000 ppm chlorides, plus wet-dry cycles and crevices. Here the first criterion is not strength — it is whether the material survives crevice corrosion.

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Typical Parts & Material Selection

Part	Grade	Surface / Size	What to Watch For
Deck railing / fittings	316L	Tube / profile, polished	Salt spray, post-weld passivation
Seawater piping	2205 / 6Mo	Seamless / welded tube	Pitting, flow erosion
Inner liner of LNG tanks	304L / 304	Plate 8–50 mm	Low-temperature impact toughness, class approval
Accommodation / galley equipment	304 / 316L	0.8–2 mm, 2B/HL	Ease of cleaning, fingerprint resistance
Fasteners / fixings	316 / 2205	Bar / forging	Stress corrosion cracking

These are typical configurations.The actual choice depends on the medium, temperature and welding method— the same part may shift from 304 to 316L or 2205. A description of the operating conditions is more useful than specifying a grade.

Three Real Constraints in This Industry

Crevice corrosion is the dominant cause of failure

Under gaskets and where supports contact the hull, 304 rusts within a few months. Eliminate the crevice in the design (continuous welds, drain holes) and move up to 316L or 2205.

Confirm grade approval early

DNV / ABS / LR / CCS maintain their own approved material lists. A better grade that is not approved still won't pass inspection — check at the quotation stage.

Welding distortion accumulates during assembly

Thin equipment components distort, and the error accumulates during final assembly. Pre-fabricate in sections with anti-distortion jigs and leave trimming allowance.