GRP grating and handrailing for marine and offshore
Saltwater is a demanding environment for steel. Byggkomposit supplies GRP products for marine assets and offshore installations where corrosion resistance and a low maintenance requirement are needed.
Marine and offshore environments are among the more demanding for building materials. Constant salt exposure, high humidity, UV exposure, mechanical wear and cyclic wave and wind loading place strain on steel and aluminium. GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) is used to address this combination without corroding. Byggkomposit supplies GRP solutions to harbours, shipyards, marinas, offshore wind and oil & gas platforms across the Nordic region.
Glass reinforced composites are used in marine projects for pontoon decking, quay grating, finger pontoons, walkways, fall-protection handrailing, stairs, ladders and platforms. The material has a low self-weight, which can ease installation from boat or barge and reduce load on floating pontoons and offshore structures. Rust protection requirements, cathodic protection and chemical resistance to a specific medium should always be verified against the project's technical documentation.
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Properties relevant to marine and offshore
Six properties often specified by ship operators, harbours and offshore players across the Nordic region.
Saltwater resistant
GRP is not typically affected by saltwater, chloride ions or algae, which is relevant in marine environments where steel needs ongoing protection.
Galvanically neutral
Fibreglass does not conduct electricity and does not cause galvanic corrosion with adjacent metal fittings on vessels and quays.
UV-stable
The surface has UV protection and is designed to retain colour and strength over time, even in intense sunlight.
Low self-weight
Low self-weight can ease handling during crane lifts on vessels and offshore structures.
Gritted anti-slip surface
An anti-slip surface that performs even when decks are wet from spray, rain or ice.
Low maintenance requirement
Rust protection and repainting are normally not required, which can simplify operations at sea and in port.
Applications across the marine and offshore segment
GRP products are used along the coastline — from small marinas and fishing piers to offshore installations at sea. The material can be made to measure and suits both standardised pontoon systems and projects where each section is tailored to a specific berth or platform.
Pontoons, quay decking and floating systems
GRP grating is used as a decking surface on floating pontoons, finger pontoons and quay edges. The open surface structure lets light and water pass through, which can reduce ice build-up in winter. The gritted anti-slip surface is designed to retain grip over time. For larger marinas, solid GRP decking is also available for rolling service trolleys and heavier loads — the design load should always be verified against the specific project.
Fall protection, handrailing and ladders
Handrailing in marine environments is often exposed to corrosion in galvanised or painted steel. GRP handrailing is corrosion resistant and can be combined with ladders, bathing steps and access ladders in the same material for a consolidated safety system.
Offshore platforms and offshore wind
On offshore wind, oil & gas platforms and met masts, GRP is used for service and helideck grating, handrailing, cable ladders and inspection routes. Low self-weight can be relevant for transport and lifting of components to a turbine tower or platform. Electrical insulation can support personal safety in high-voltage environments, which should be assessed against the project's conditions.
Vessels and on-board fit-out
On board ships, GRP panels and profiles are used for passenger decking, engine room walkways, cable trays and internal stairs. Low self-weight can contribute to reduced vessel weight. Fire-rated grades and any applicable IMO or class requirements should always be verified against the project's technical documentation.
Material choice for operations at sea
In marine environments, operating cost is often more decisive than purchase price. A steel structure in harbour can require recurring repainting and replacement of corroded sections. GRP products can be a relevant alternative where corrosion resistance and a low maintenance requirement are needed — expected service life and suitability should always be assessed against the project's conditions and medium.
Want to explore Dura Composites' global reference projects in marine & offshore? Read more about GRP in marine and offshore at Dura Composites (opens in a new tab).
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