Creating Historic Model Ship Kits Since 1905

The use of copper on a ship, particularly in the form of hull sheathing, serves as a critical defense mechanism against the relentless degradation caused by the marine environment.

Historically, wooden ships were plagued by two primary threats: “shipworms” (Teredo navalis), which burrowed into timber and compromised structural integrity, and the accumulation of biofouling, such as barnacles and algae, which increased hydrodynamic drag and drastically reduced vessel speed.

By applying copper sheets to the hull below the waterline, sailors introduced a natural biocide; as the copper reacts with seawater, it creates a toxic layer that prevents marine organisms from attaching to the surface or boring into the wood. Beyond its protective properties, copper also offers intrinsic resistance to corrosion, ensuring that the ship’s vital underwater components remain durable during long voyages. In modern maritime applications, this legacy continues through copper-based anti-fouling paints, which remain a gold-standard solution for maintaining vessel efficiency and preventing the costly mechanical strain associated with excessive underwater growth.