Key processes include hull segment construction and welding, platform (or dock) closing, outfitting (equipment installation and commissioning), painting (anti-corrosion and aesthetic treatments), and launching and sea trials. Modern ship construction is increasingly using modular construction and advanced welding techniques to improve efficiency and quality.
Ship construction mainly uses steel (e.g. high-strength steel, stainless steel), aluminum alloy, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) and composite materials. Steel is widely used in large commercial ships and warships because of its high strength and low cost, while aluminum alloy and FRP are mostly used in small vessels and yachts because of their light weight and good corrosion resistance.
Navigational performance (e.g., speed, range) and stability are evaluated primarily through computational fluid dynamics analysis (e.g., CFD simulation) and hydrostatic analysis of the ship. In addition, model tests, such as towing pool tests and tilt tests, are conducted to verify the accuracy of the design data.
Ship design usually includes three stages: preliminary design, detailed design and production design. Preliminary design determines the main dimensions, performance requirements and overall layout of the ship; detailed design refines the structure, system layout and equipment selection; and production design focuses on the optimization of the manufacturing process, material selection and construction flow.