When it comes to building ships, there is a common misconception that they should always be made from stainless steel. However, this is not the case for a number of reasons. Below are some of the main reasons why ships are not made from stainless steel.
1. Cost
Stainless steel is a very expensive material to work with, especially when it comes to building large structures such as ships. The high cost of the material means that it is not a practical option for most shipbuilders. In addition to this, the high cost of stainless steel means that it is not an economically viable option for shipowners.
2. Weight
One of the primary concerns when building ships is weight. Stainless steel is a very heavy material, and using it to build a ship would add a significant amount of weight. This would make the ship less efficient and more difficult to maneuver. Additionally, the added weight would require a larger engine to power the ship, which would further increase the running costs.
3. Corrosion
Although stainless steel is known for its resistance to corrosion, it is not entirely immune to it. In fact, stainless steel can still corrode under certain circumstances. Saltwater, for example, can cause pitting corrosion to occur, which can weaken the material over time. Given that ships spend their entire lives on the ocean, it is unclear how well stainless steel would hold up over the long term.
4. Maintenance
Maintaining a ship made from stainless steel would be a time-consuming and expensive process. The material is prone to scratches and dents, which would need to be repaired regularly to prevent corrosion from occurring. Additionally, stainless steel requires a specific type of cleaning to ensure that it stays in good condition. All of these factors would make it challenging to maintain a stainless steel ship effectively.
While stainless steel is a popular material for many applications, it is not well-suited to building ships. The cost, weight, corrosion resistance, and maintenance requirements make it a difficult and impractical option. Instead, shipbuilders use materials that are more affordable, lightweight, and easier to maintain, such as aluminum, fiberglass, and steel.