The UK shipbuilding industry is entering an exciting period of growth and investment.
From major naval programmes to commercial vessels, shipyard investment and an expanding maritime supply chain, there is significant activity taking place across the UK.
The Government’s National Shipbuilding Strategy set out a pipeline of more than 150 new naval and civil vessels over 30 years, while recent announcements continue to demonstrate the scale of opportunity ahead for British shipbuilding.
But as more vessels move through UK shipyards, protecting them throughout the build process becomes increasingly important.
A vessel doesn’t need to be at sea to be exposed to damage.
Surface Damage Can Happen Long Before Launch
Shipbuilding is a complex process, with vessels and individual components passing through numerous stages of fabrication, assembly, fitting-out, storage and transportation.
During this time, finished and semi-finished surfaces can be exposed to:
- Scratches and abrasion
- Dust and contamination
- Paint and overspray
- Accidental spills
- Damage from tools and equipment
- Weather exposure
- General shipyard traffic and handling
For high-value components and finished surfaces, damage during construction can result in unnecessary cleaning, repairs and rework before a vessel has even entered service.
As shipbuilding activity increases, effective temporary surface protection should therefore be considered as part of the manufacturing process.
Protecting Vessels During the Build Process
Protectapeel BoatShield
is a liquid-applied, temporary peelable coating developed to protect surfaces within the marine industry.
Rather than cutting and fixing sheets or protective films around complex shapes, the coating can be applied directly to suitable surfaces, including shaped and curved areas.
Once dry, BoatShield forms a tough protective barrier, helping to protect the underlying surface against damage throughout manufacturing, assembly, storage and other stages of the build process.
When the protection is no longer required, the coating can simply be peeled away to reveal the protected surface underneath.
Protection for Longer Marine Projects
Building a vessel isn’t a quick process.
Major shipbuilding projects can involve lengthy construction and fitting-out programmes, meaning temporary protection may need to remain effective for extended periods.
Protectapeel BoatShield can provide temporary protection for up to 24 months. This gives shipbuilders and marine manufacturers the flexibility to protect suitable surfaces throughout different stages of a project without repeatedly replacing temporary protection.
UK Shipbuilding Growth & Marine Surface Protection
Recent developments demonstrate the momentum within the sector and highlight why UK Shipbuilding Growth & Marine Surface Protection are becoming increasingly important considerations for manufacturers and the wider maritime supply chain.
The Royal Navy is progressing major programmes including the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, while the Government announced in June 2026 that at least six new Common Combat Vessels will be procured as part of the future replacement for the Type 45 destroyers.
UK shipbuilding is also about much more than naval vessels. The wider strategy encompasses commercial and government vessels, supporting shipyards, manufacturers and suppliers throughout the maritime industry.
As this pipeline develops, increasing production shouldn’t mean compromising the condition of the surfaces and components moving through our shipyards.
Preventing damage before it happens can help reduce unnecessary repair, cleaning and rework – supporting quality and efficiency throughout the build process.
Protecting Vessels From Build to Launch
The growth of UK shipbuilding represents a significant opportunity for manufacturers, shipyards and the wider maritime supply chain. As more vessels enter production, temporary surface protection has an important role to play.
Because the best time to protect a vessel isn’t when it reaches the water. It’s while it’s being built.
Discover Protectapeel BoatShield
Protectapeel BoatShield provides temporary peelable surface protection for suitable surfaces within marine manufacturing, helping to protect against damage during production, assembly and storage.
Speak to the Spraylat team to discuss your marine surface protection requirements or arrange a product trial.
