Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP), also known as Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP), refers to a composite material made of a matrix of unsaturated polyester, epoxy, or phenolic resin reinforced with glass fibers. FRP, which uses glass fiber or its products as a reinforcing material, has the characteristics of lightweight, high strength, corrosion resistance, aging resistance, and excellent designability. The use of fiberglass in shipbuilding fully utilizes the material's characteristics, making it superior to steel and wooden fishing vessels in terms of ship performance and economics.

Ship Performance

The hull of a fiberglass ship is integrally molded, with a smooth surface and low resistance. Compared with steel fishing vessels of the same power and size, the speed can be increased by about 0.5 to 1 knot. Fiberglass has a density of one-fourth of that of steel, and the center of gravity of fiberglass ships is low. Under the same parameters, the roll period of fiberglass ships can be shortened by 2-3 times compared with steel ships. It has good buoyancy and strong recovery ability in wind and waves, with relatively enhanced wind resistance.

Economic Benefits

Fiberglass ships have good energy-saving effects. Fiberglass has good insulation performance, with a thermal conductivity coefficient only one percent of that of steel. Compared with other fishing vessels, the ice-saving capacity can reach 20%-40%. Fiberglass ships can sail at higher speeds, which can shorten sailing time, increase fishing voyages, and save fuel.

For example, compared with steel trawlers, fuel consumption can be reduced by about 10% to 15% for fiberglass ships of the same size and horsepower as steel fishing vessels. Fiberglass ships have a long service life. Steel fishing vessels are prone to rust and have a service life of only 10 to 15 years. To ensure a service life of 20 years, maintenance, rust removal, and painting must be strengthened every year, and major repairs must be carried out every three years, which greatly increases maintenance costs. Fiberglass ships have excellent corrosion resistance, and the hull does not rust. The theoretical service life can reach 50 years, and there is no need for annual maintenance like steel ships if there is no damage.

After years of comparison, the average annual maintenance cost of a 30-meter fiberglass ship is only one-tenth of that of a steel ship. Fiberglass ships have the characteristics of energy saving, long service life, and low maintenance costs. Although the one-time investment is 15% to 25% higher than that of steel fishing vessels, the long-term economic benefits are still higher than those of steel fishing vessels. Since the 1950s, fiberglass ships have developed rapidly. It is reported that the United States, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Spain, Sweden, South Korea, and small and medium-sized fishing vessels in Taiwan, China have eliminated wooden fishing vessels and achieved fiberglass.

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