For almost 40 years, Swiss flow solutions provider GF has been a trusted partner for thermoplastic piping systems in the marine industry, from pipes and fittings to measurement, control, automation, and jointing equipment. GF created the “Design Smarter. Build Better.” webinar series to give designers and engineers an introduction into the planning and installation process of polymers on board. All five episodes are available on-demand starting 1 October 2025.

With the maritime industry under increasing pressure to improve efficiency, cut emissions, and extend asset lifetimes, materials are playing a decisive role in the design of next-generation ships and offshore installations. Polymers, long established in secondary systems, are increasingly being implemented in critical piping applications thanks to their lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and cost-efficient properties.

To support engineers and designers in navigating this material shift, GF, together with experts from DNV and Roxtec, has launched the on-demand webinar series “Design Smarter. Build Better.”. The five-part program is aimed at naval architects, FEED consultancies, and shipyards looking to understand how to integrate polymers into marine and offshore piping systems.

Across the series, host Paul Jolley, Business Development Manager Floating Wind & Offshore at GF, will speak to industry specialists about the unique demands of implementing polymers on board, including:

• The history of these materials as an alternative to metal in shipbuilding and their evolution from secondary to essential L3 applications.
• Key design considerations such as material selection, chemical resistance, and stress analysis.
• Current trends and challenges of type approvals, standards, and testing requirements.
• Practical aspects of installation, jointing technologies, and pipe sealing on board.

Host Paul Jolley comments on the launch: “Polymers use in the industry is established and increasing. Therefore, as Naval Architecture firms and FEED consultancies recognize the incredible potential of these materials, designers are looking for guidance on how to get the most out of thermoplastic piping systems. Across five episodes, we want to answer some of the questions we regularly receive about polymers and empower maritime professionals to design smarter and build better.”