Alternatives to natural forest teak for shipbuilding

Since July 2021, the wood properties of Afzelia, Iroko, Itaubá and Tesumo (modified tropical wood) have been tested as alternatives to natural forest teak on a test area of the upper deck (Achterback) of the Gorch Fock. In order to determine the material and functional properties of these timbers, measurements of moisture and colour behaviour are carried out, and the formation of cracks is documented.

The current monitoring of the test area, after three years of exposure, shows that the selected timbers entirely fulfil the requirements for the properties of a heavily utilised work deck and that no differences in terms of slip and abrasion resistance can be determined by the crew. In coordination with the German navy and the new commander of the Gorch Fock, the monitoring will continue over the next few years in order to obtain long-term measured values and practical experience of the material and functional properties. These investigations are particularly important given the enforcement of EU sanctions, which have banned the import of teak from Myanmar -the largest natural source- since June 2021.

Contact:

PD Dr. habil. Gerald Koch
 

Further information:

Project "Alternatives to natural forest teak for shipbuilding"