Using 504 m² [5425 ft²] of Sandwich Plate System, 52 cavities were applied on the Inner Bottom, Hopper and Stools in the cargo hold of Fly Challenger to reinstate the corroded plating and enhance impact protection.

Reinstatement of the corroded plates for Class requirement was the main reason the client chose SPS, but other factors also played in their decision. Ultimately Sandwich Plate System:

Prevents Dents from Heavy Loading: For the Fly Challenger, iron ore is loaded in bulk and exerts considerable force upon impact on the cargo hold. The elastomer core in SPS dissipates the load impact forces, reducing the likelihood of dents and permanent deformation in the cargo hold plates.

Reduces Stress Concentration: Unlike single-layer metal plates, SPS distributes the force of impact across a larger area, minimizing localized stresses. This distribution prevents the formation of high-stress points that could lead to cracking or fatigue in the cargo hold structure.

Improved cargo operations : SPS has superb impact resistance characteristics, it is less prone to deformation from cargo handling operations and “dishing” is almost eliminated. This leads to improved cargo handling with reduced turnaround times and enhanced operational economics

Provides Corrosion Protection: The sealed construction of SPS minimizes moisture intrusion, a common cause of corrosion in cargo holds. Sandwich Plate System’s elastomer core, being non-porous and resistant to salt and water, acts as a barrier that protects the steel plates from corrosive elements, particularly useful in environments with high humidity or exposure to seawater.

Improves Structural Integrity with Less Maintenance: SPS offers greater load-bearing capacity and resilience, which can result in fewer maintenance needs over time. As the cargo hold plates are less likely to suffer from dents or corrosion, ships using SPS technology often benefit from reduced repair costs and longer operational intervals between major.