Navigating the Future: How Bondstrand™ and MARRS™ Systems Are Helping Navies Overcome Corrosion and Weight Challenges
Introduction
In the unforgiving marine environment, corrosion is more than an inconvenience — it’s a constant, costly battle. For decades, navies and marine operators around the world have struggled with the weight, corrosion, erosion, and maintenance demands of traditional metallic systems such as carbon steel or copper nickel. But as naval engineering evolves, so too does the technology designed to protect and strengthen it.
NOV Fiber Glass Systems’ Bondstrand™ and MARRS™ products are at the forefront of this transformation, offering lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting composite solutions for some of the most challenging environments on Earth.
The Challenge: Corrosion/Erosion and Weight in Naval Engineering
Ships and offshore structures operate in some of the harshest conditions imaginable — high salinity, humidity, and temperature fluctuations that relentlessly attack metallic components. Even advanced alloys and coatings can only delay the inevitable.
For global navies, this translates to:
- Frequent replacements of corroded & eroded metallic piping
- Heavy system components that impact fuel efficiency and payload
- High maintenance costs and operational downtime
The result is a growing need for lightweight, maintenance-free, and durable alternatives that meet strict safety and performance standards.
The Solution: Bondstrand™ and MARRS™ Composite Systems
Bondstrand™ and MARRS™ (Multi-Angle Rapid Railing Systems) from NOV Fiber Glass Systems provide an innovative approach to combat these challenges. Engineered using glass-reinforced epoxy (GRE) and phenolic composite materials, these systems deliver exceptional performance in environments where steel falls short.
Bondstrand™ GRE Piping Systems
Bondstrand GRE piping replaces traditional metallic lines in critical onboard systems such as:
- Seawater cooling and ballast systems
- Fire main and sprinkler systems
- Sanitary and drainage piping
- Exhaust gas scrubber and venting systems
Designed to resist internal and external corrosion, Bondstrand systems maintain integrity and flow efficiency over decades of service — often with no maintenance required. Compared to steel, they are up to two-thirds lighter, simplifying installation and significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Bondstrand piping has a smoother bore than steel or copper nickel, resulting in less scale buildup and pumping horsepower to achieve the same flow. Bondstrand is also not as soft as copper-nickel, which leads to less interior erosion in seawater lines.
MARRS™ Structural Systems
The MARRS™ FRP handrail and access systems are equally innovative, combining strength, fire integrity, and corrosion resistance in a lightweight modular design.
These systems carry ABS Fire Integrity Type Approval and meet rigorous international standards such as NORSOK, DNV, and ASTM, ensuring that they perform safely in the world’s toughest offshore and naval environments.
Their modular construction also allows for quick installation and replacement, an essential advantage for shipyards and naval bases where downtime is critical.
Proven Benefits for Allied Navies
Naval operators worldwide are turning to composite technology to enhance vessel performance, safety, and sustainability. Bondstrand™ and MARRS™ systems deliver measurable advantages, including:
- Elimination of corrosion and erosion-related maintenance
- Weight savings of up to 60% compared to steel
- Extended service life — from years to decades
- Improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions
- Enhanced fire safety and compliance with naval standards
By replacing steel piping and heavy metallic structures with GRE and FRP systems, navies can extend vessel life, reduce total cost of ownership, and increase time at sea without interruption.
Composite Solutions with a Proven Track Record
With a legacy spanning over half a century, NOV’s Bondstrand™ technology has been successfully deployed across marine, offshore, and industrial sectors worldwide. From dredging vessels to offshore platforms and naval ships, these systems continue to demonstrate exceptional reliability and performance in real-world conditions.
Partner with FSI for Your Next Marine or Naval Project
At Fibreglass Solutions Inc. (FSI), we understand the critical importance of durability, efficiency, and safety in marine and defense operations. Our team works closely with owners, engineers, and contractors to specify and supply high-performance GRE and FRP systems from NOV Fiber Glass Systems that meet the unique demands of naval and offshore environments.
Whether your goal is to reduce maintenance costs, improve vessel efficiency, or future-proof your systems against corrosion, FSI can help you design a solution that lasts decades — not years.
Contact Fibreglass Solutions Inc. today to discuss how Bondstrand™ and MARRS™ systems can redefine performance for your next marine or defense project.