Introduction
Asbestos is well known as a hazardous building material on land, but it has also played a major role in the maritime industry. For decades, asbestos was used extensively in ship construction thanks to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Today, many older vessels still contain asbestos, posing risks to both crew and shipyard workers.
In this article, we’ll explore where asbestos is commonly found on ships, why it was used, and the dangers it continues to present.
Why Was Asbestos Used in Ships?
Asbestos was widely used in shipbuilding because of its combination of useful physical properties. It was extremely fire resistant, which was particularly important in engine rooms and boiler spaces where high heat was a constant hazard. It was also very durable, able to withstand harsh marine conditions and long service lives. As an insulator, it provided both thermal protection for pipes and noise reduction in confined crew areas. Finally, it was inexpensive and widely available during the height of shipbuilding in the 20th century.
Unfortunately, while it seemed like the perfect material at the time, asbestos fibres are now known to cause serious illnesses when inhaled.
Where Can Asbestos Be Found on Ships?
Although asbestos use in new vessels is now banned, many older ships still contain it in a variety of locations. Common areas include:
- Engine rooms and boiler rooms: asbestos was used extensively as pipe lagging, thermal insulation on boilers, and in gaskets and seals around machinery.
- Fireproofing materials: bulkheads, wall panels and fire doors were often lined or coated with asbestos to reduce fire spread.
- Brake linings and clutch pads: asbestos friction materials were common in both ship machinery and smaller systems such as lifeboat engines.
- Flooring and ceiling tiles: vinyl tiles, adhesives and even decorative finishes often contained asbestos fibres.
- Electrical equipment: older switchgear, wiring insulation and panel boards sometimes used asbestos-based components.
- Paints and coatings: sprayed coatings containing asbestos were sometimes applied to steel structures to improve fire resistance.
In many cases, asbestos is hidden from view and may not be obvious until repair, refurbishment or demolition work takes place.
Who Is at Risk from Asbestos on Ships?
The risk arises when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed and fibres are released into the air. On ships, this is especially dangerous due to confined spaces and poor ventilation. Those most at risk include:
- Crew members who work in engine rooms or carry out maintenance duties that may disturb asbestos insulation or gaskets.
- Shipyard workers who are responsible for refits, major repairs, or demolition of older vessels where asbestos is present.
- Contractors carrying out refurbishment or soft strip works who may not be aware of asbestos until work has already started.
- Inspectors and surveyors who enter asbestos-containing areas without suitable training or protective measures.
Why Is Asbestos in Ships Still a Concern?
Although asbestos is no longer used in new ship construction, many vessels built before the early 2000s remain in service. This includes cargo ships, ferries, fishing boats and even older leisure craft. Ships imported from countries where asbestos bans came later may also still contain asbestos materials.
If not properly managed, asbestos in ships can put crew and contractors at risk of serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. It can also lead to non-compliance with UK regulations and international maritime safety standards, potentially resulting in costly delays during inspections, refits or demolitions.
Why Licensed Asbestos Removal Is Essential
Managing asbestos on ships requires specialist knowledge. Confined spaces, the risk of disturbing multiple materials at once, and strict compliance requirements mean that asbestos removal must only ever be carried out by licensed contractors.
At Crucial Environmental, our team is experienced in handling asbestos safely in specialist environments, including maritime projects. We carry out detailed surveys and re-inspections, provide clear risk assessments, and deliver safe asbestos removal in line with both UK legislation and international maritime regulations.
Conclusion
Asbestos remains a hidden hazard on many older ships. From insulation in the engine room to vinyl flooring in crew areas, asbestos-containing materials are still present and can be highly dangerous if disturbed.
If you own, operate or are responsible for a vessel, it is vital to understand where asbestos may be located and to arrange for professional inspections and licensed removal when required.
Need support with asbestos in ships?
Contact Crucial Environmental today to discuss asbestos surveys and removal for your vessel.