Many markets have benefited from the advance of composites, but perhaps none more so than the Recreational and Commercial Marine industries. Building vessels that can meet the exacting demands of a water environment, especially a saltwater one, has always been a challenge. Life at sea means continual exposure to harsh elements - including direct sunlight, wind and water pressure, the corrosive effect of saltwater, as well as man-made factors such as diesel fuel, lubricants, and other chemicals.

Composites provide some of the best solutions to issues caused by these marine conditions. From stronger FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) boat hulls and interiors, to corrosion-resistant marine parts, to specialized submersible components, marine composites have revolutionized what is possible. 

Submarines are once again being recognized as a key factor in maintaining a powerful military. Historically it has proved impossible for a country to keep global military status, without dominance at sea. Since World War I, it has also been impossible for surface ships to hold dominance at sea, without the use of submarines. In fact, today the use of submarines is not only pivotal to naval campaigns, but with their growing cruise and ballistic missile capabilities, subs are also an important part of any major land offensive.

Even before a conflict arises, a submarine’s ability to deploy military strength to an area without being detected is strategically invaluable. Conversely then, the ability to neutralize an opponent’s underwater force must be a primary objective. As submarines become more pivotal to military success, never before has Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) been more important.

Composites are changing the world we live in. From the Stone Age, to the Bronze Age, to the Iron Age, our civilization’s history has been defined by the materials we use. In the past, humans reshaped the raw materials they discovered in nature to create the items they needed. In our modern age we have moved beyond found objects, and have developed the technology to produce new materials, whose very make up is engineered specifically to fit the task at hand.

Damaged and worn out metal components and assemblies are a major cause of downtime for businesses. However, it’s usually too expensive to replace an entire system with the latest model. The solution may be switching to composite replacement parts, which deliver a cost-effective way to increase the operational performance of existing systems.

By rebuilding your existing components and assemblies using composites, modern technology has the capability to make your parts better than they were before. Better... stronger... faster.

While the defining aspect of the Silent Service is stealth, that is only half the story. If submarines where people, they would be described as the strong silent type, great listeners and keenly aware of those around them.  

Though an anthropomorphized submarine sounds like a very “sensitive” being, they are really more like sharks, whose sensitive ability to “hear” their environment allows them to be the ultimate underwater hunters.

One of the most dynamic and creative technologies in recent years is Additive Manufacturing, often referred to as "3D Printing". The amazing ability to create solid objects from digital files stored on a computer, was only recently considered pure science fiction. Having a magic box that could manufacture items out of thin air became a familiar concept on shows like Star Trek, where a “Replicator” could produce any item their starship needed. While we are still unable to replicate a gourmet meal or quickly replace the captain’s torn uniform, each year brings us amazing new manufacturing capabilities.

The defining aspect of Submarines, has always been stealth. From the first human powered submersible to the latest nuclear-powered subs, the effectiveness of these underwater vehicles is based on not being detected. Once a sub is hidden beneath the waves, its next best tactic is to remain quiet. If a submarine cannot be seen or heard, then it can’t be found, attacked and destroyed.

A new type of technology might currently be in development by China, that could lower the acoustic signature of submarines. In a traditional submarine, a propeller is attached to a driveshaft which is turned by a large engine or hydraulic system. These types of systems rely on a great deal of machinery and moving parts, both create lots of noise in an environment where stealth rules supreme. 

In the "Silent Service", making as little noise as possible to evade detection is always the goal. To that end, a new concept in propulsion called a “Rim-Driven Propeller” or RDP (also known as a Rim-Driven Thruster or Rim-Driven Pumpjet) is being considered. An RDP removes the hub, driveshaft and gearbox from a submarine’s typical propulsion system, thereby giving the sub even greater stealth.

Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) have been disrupting the Material Handling world. Now that the power of these smart mobile robots has been unleashed, each year brings new advances that are radically changing the industry. New research predicts that "Mobile robotics in material handling and logistics will become a $75bn market by 2027. It will then more than double by 2038" (Business Insider). From smart Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) that move materials around a facility, to warehouse shelves that bring themselves to packers and shippers, to swarms of airport baggage AGCs (Automated Guided Carts), Material Handling is heading for more changes in 2019 than ever before.

As another year draws to a close, you might be wondering what amazing new technology the next year will bring. Well, there is already something fresh for you to try: a surprising new type of underwater vehicle that will allow almost anyone to experience driving underwater in a safe and immersive environment, while still being able to feel the water and sea life around you. Imagine hopping into a car and driving under the sea among tropical fish, natural reefs, or even around a simulated Lost City of Atlantis. This newly developed car will be available this year and will let people share underwater experiences together that were once only available to those with Scuba training.