The Royal Institution of Naval Architects has recently issued an announcement and call for papers to be presented at the conference dedicated to advancements in the area of marine materials and coatings (22-23 February 2006 in London, UK). Lightweight structures have always been at the forefront of research. There have been recent advances in the marine use of aluminium and titanium as well as continuing rapid progress in the available range of composites. Steel structures have also been addressed with continuing research into high strength varieties, not to mention steel composite and sandwich materials.

Coatings can be used in marine applications to change a wide variety of material properties. These can range from: paints, which can provide corrosion resistance and antifouling properties; to coatings that can provide increased wear resistance, better mechanical properties or fire protection. This conference will provide a forum for materials engineers, naval architects and those involved in the manufacture and application of coatings to meet and share recent developments.

Papers are invited on all related topics including the following:

• Lightweight structures
• Impact of Environmental Legislation
• Proposed IMO directive on ballast tank coatings
• Composite overlays for steel structures
• Corrosion control