The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia has announced the development of experimental ship shafts made of polymer composite materials. The project is designed for three years, and the first tests of finished samples will be carried out before the end of 2027.
The first stage of work will be completed in November 2025. During this time, specialists will determine the optimal design of the shafts and the composition of the materials. 25.25 million rubles have been allocated for these purposes. In 2026, the developers will prepare technical documentation and test reduced models. The budget for this stage is 144.75 million rubles.
The final stage will begin in 2027. Engineers will manufacture full-size shafts and test them in real conditions. 140 million rubles will be allocated for these works. The finished solutions will be used in passenger, fishing and high-speed vessels. Mass production may start in 2028–2030.
Currently, steel shafts resistant to corrosion are used in shipbuilding. Their production requires high costs and complex processing. Polymer composites can change the situation — they are lighter, easier to manufacture and reduce vibration, which improves the running characteristics of ships.
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