Offshore
In offshore environments, materials must meet extreme requirements. Foam applications in the maritime sector need to be not only lightweight and durable, but also resistant to severe weather conditions, corrosive environments, and mechanical stress. IFG develops and produces tailor-made foam solutions for offshore and maritime applications, focusing on protection, support, and insulation of installations, equipment, and crew.
Our foams are used in a wide range of applications, from protecting electronic measuring instruments to providing seating comfort on oil rigs. Thanks to our experience and co-makership approach, we develop solutions together with our customers that truly perform at sea.
Sustainability and lightweight properties of foam
Lightweight materials are essential for offshore installations. They reduce structural loads and lower transport and installation costs. Our foams combine low density with high dimensional stability and durability, making them suitable for long-term use in demanding environments. In addition, our foams are recyclable, contributing to sustainable and responsible material choices. Learn more about our circular approach on our recycling page.
Weather resistance and corrosion protection with foam
Foam used in offshore or maritime applications must withstand moisture, salt, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations. IFG supplies foam types that retain their structure under these conditions. PE polyethylene foam, in particular, is ideal for applications where water and weather resistance are crucial. For use in metal environments where contact with steel or aluminium may cause corrosion, we can apply protective coatings to the foam.
Functional coatings: antistatic, electrically insulating and corrosion resistant
To further optimise foam applications, we offer a range of functional coatings used in offshore and maritime contexts, including:
- Antistatic finishes to prevent electrostatic discharge during the transport of electronic components
- Electrically insulating coatings to protect equipment in voltage-sensitive environments
- Corrosion-resistant coatings to protect both the foam and the contents of cases or containers against salt, moisture and chemical exposure
For cases or transport boxes with foam interiors that house measuring instruments, these coatings offer extra protection against environmental influences. Curious which coating best fits your application? Visit our coatings page or contact us for advice.
Applications and practical examples
Foam is used in many different ways in offshore applications, such as:
- Fenders, buoys and floats: foam cores provide buoyancy and shape retention on impact
- Component and pipeline protection: for example in pump housings, enclosures or measurement cabinets
- Comfort solutions: seat and lying cushions for crew members made of hygienic and durable foam
- Inlays for cases or flight cases: protecting measuring or control equipment against shock, moisture and corrosion
- Rail padding: foam applied around mounting rails or cable trays to protect pipes and structures from impact and wear
Each of these applications requires specific foam types, shapes and, where needed, coatings. Thanks to our in-house processing capabilities, we can deliver quickly and with high precision.
Co-makership and custom solutions
Offshore and maritime projects often come with strict and variable requirements. This is why we believe in co-makership: jointly developing a solution from the initial concept through to production. IFG actively advises on material specifications, processing methods and supply reliability. Whether it concerns a series of case inlays with anti-corrosion coatings or a floating application made from rigid PE foam, we provide tailored solutions that perform under harsh conditions.
Our collaboration with engineers, OEMs and project partners results in durable, safe and efficient solutions. You can read more on our packaging foam and insulation foam pages, where similar applications are presented.
Get in touch
Are you looking for foam for offshore applications? Or would you like to learn more about coatings for maritime environments and corrosion protection? Feel free to contact us for technical advice or a tailored quotation. We will be happy to support you with reliable and sustainable foam solutions for the offshore sector.