Protecting the Propeller – Shrink Wrap Specialist Installation on the HMS David Attenborough

EcoShrink’s tailored shrink wrap protection installed on the HMS David Attenborough during construction—secured without welding or scaffold fixings.

Innovation at Sea: Specialist Shrink Wrap on the HMS 

David Attenborough

When the UK’s most advanced polar research vessel, the RRS David Attenborough, was under construction, every component demanded precision, protection, and care. Known to many as “Boaty McBoatface,” this £200 million vessel was designed to explore the world’s most remote regions, from the Antarctic to the Arctic.

So when the build team needed to protect one of the propellers during key hull work - without interfering with surrounding activity or compromising the integrity of the ship - EcoShrink was called in to deliver a truly specialist shrink wrapping solution.

The Challenge: No Fixing Points, No Problem

Unlike typical scaffold or shore-based wraps, this project involved wrapping a section of the hull beneath the ship, specifically, one of the main propellers—in a location where traditional methods simply wouldn’t work.

Key challenges included:

• No available structure or scaffold to attach to

• No welding permitted on the finished propeller surface

• Extreme access conditions, working underneath the hull

• Requirement for flame-retardant protection

• The need to allow simultaneous critical work on nearby hull components

Protecting this vital part of the vessel required creativity, skill, and specialist tools. Standard tape, film, or sheeting wouldn’t hold in this environment. The propeller had to be completely enclosed and sealed, despite its irregular shape and location.

Our Solution: Bonded Shrink Wrap Installation Using Marine-Grade Adhesives

To overcome the lack of weldable or structural fixing points, our team deployed a marine-grade adhesive bonding technique, allowing us to secure flame-retardant shrink wrap directly to the propeller’s surface without damaging it.

Here’s how we did it:

• Selected a durable, flame retardant film, rated for outdoor marine use

• Used a high-strength specialist adhesive compatible with metal, suitable for temporary protection

• Applied the film in a wraparound configuration, heat-welded for a snug, weather-tight seal

• Installed and tested during a narrow window while hull works continued nearby

The wrap fully protected the propeller from dust, debris, sparks, and contamination, ensuring it remained untouched during the welding and surface preparation work on adjacent sections of the hull.

Specialist Marine Projects Demand Specialist Solutions

EcoShrink’s work on the HMS David Attenborough highlights just how adaptable shrink wrap can be when paired with the right expertise. This wasn’t just about covering something—it was about solving a complex problem in an environment where traditional methods fall short.

Shrink wrap is often associated with scaffold wrapping or façade protection. But when tailored correctly, it becomes a tool for precision protection in shipbuilding, aviation, high-value engineering, and more.

Whether we’re installing wrap 20 metres up on a city tower or underneath a vessel that’s headed for Antarctica, our team adapts to meet the demands of the site.

Why EcoShrink for Specialist Projects?

We bring technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and high standards to non-standard projects. Our wraps are:

• Flame-retardant

• Applied using heat tools or bonding where welding isn’t an option

• Custom-fitted to irregular shapes and sensitive assets

• Delivered by experienced, safety-conscious professionals

If your project involves unusual geometry, high-value equipment, or critical environments, EcoShrink delivers bespoke protection that holds firm - even where nothing else can.

Need help with a specialist project?

EcoShrink specialises in one-off solutions for unusual environments. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements.

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