Recently, the marine composite laminates independently developed by Luoyang Sunrui Rubber&Plastic Science and Technology—a subsidiary of the 725th Research Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC)—have achieved a series of major breakthroughs in the market. The company has successfully partnered with renowned domestic shipyards, including Jiangnan Shipyard, Dalian Shipbuilding Industry, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, and Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, and has signed multiple supply contracts for actual vessels.
This marks the first time that domestically produced composite laminates have secured an order for actual ships. Not only does this break through the technical barrier of long-standing reliance on traditional beech wood laminates in the field of pressure-bearing insulation for cryogenic liquid cargo tanks, but it also signifies that this type of composite material has officially entered the mainstream shipbuilding marke. During the product promotion phase, numerous domestic and international shipowners and shipyards expressed high praise for this independently developed marine composite material. They organized delegations to visit Luoyang Sunrui for inspections and research, and provided numerous constructive suggestions for product development and market promotion. Currently, the material has successfully obtained certification from eight internationally renowned classification societies——ABS, DNV, LR, BV, CCS, ClassNK, KR, and RINA——and has successfully achieved domestic substitution. Its application scope covers a variety of mainstream vessel types, including 99K (VLEC) ships, 17,000/21,700 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessels, and 20,000-cubic-meter LNG bunkering vessels, and is compatible with various tank types such as Type B full tanks, deck tanks, and Type C tanks within cargo holds.
This composite laminate precisely addresses the pain points of real-world marine applications—while traditional beech wood laminates are prone to water absorption and cracking in the cold, humid environments of ship compartments, the composite laminate, thanks to its unique formulation, has a water absorption rate as low as 0.07%, significantly reducing the risk of cracking. It can also be custom-machined into various structural configurations based on actual operating conditions. Additionally, the product offers core advantages such as eco-friendliness, low-temperature resistance, high compressive strength, and high shear strength, with notably low linear expansion and thermal conductivity coefficients. With an operating temperature range spanning from -196°C to 50°C, these composite laminates comprehensively outperform traditional beech plywood in load-bearing capacity, thermal insulation, water and oil resistance, weather resistance, and ease of processing. Furthermore, they offer distinct advantages such as high cost-effectiveness, short delivery cycles, and ample production capacity. Since their debut, they have garnered widespread attention and high acclaim in both domestic and international markets.
Looking ahead, Luoyang Sunrui will focus on marine composites and specialty rubber products as its core business areas. Aligning closely with the “dual carbon” strategy, the company will support the high-quality development of “green ships,” continue to introduce new technologies in non-metallic materials to the marine and offshore engineering markets, and inject new momentum into the industry’s transformation and upgrading.