Environmental Ageing of Structural Materials in Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering – A Review

Abstract

The mechanical properties of structural materials in shipbuilding and marine engineering are significantly affected by environmental stressors such as corrosive environments, UV radiation, and chemical treatments, all leading to material degradation. This review examines nearly 1,000 studies published between 2015 and 2025 to reveal key trends in the research on the impact of environmental factors on material degradation. The review has two parts. The bibliometric review maps the structure of academic research and identifies patterns and trends, while the critical review provides research gaps and future research directions. Specifically, the study highlights that UV-C radiation accelerates surface embrittlement and strength loss in polymers, while chlorination promotes localized corrosion in stainless steels, notably AISI 316. A critical gap was identified in the limited research on combined environmental stressors, despite their real-world relevance in marine environments. The findings highlight the need for a multidisciplinary study of the interplay of various environmental effects on marine materials and structures. Also, there is a certain lack of long-term studies in the natural marine environment. Additionally, attention should be paid to the behavior of modern materials (composites, additively manufactured materials) to allow their faster uptake in the maritime industry.