May 27, 2026

Marine Steam Turbine Repair and Coating: How HFW Supports the American Shipbuilding Revival

By Nolan Watson, Technical Writer at HFW Industries

A recent CBS News story on 60 Minutes reported that China builds more than 1,000 cargo ships per year, while the United States builds about three. This disparity has sparked national security concerns and spurred investment in revitalizing American shipbuilding.

In December 2024, Hanwha finalized its acquisition of Philadelphia's Philly Shipyard, committing $5 billion to expand production capacity from about one vessel per year to as many as 20. An LNG carrier order has already been placed, the first to be built on U.S. soil in nearly 50 years. The White House issued an executive order in April 2025 to spark new investments in domestic shipbuilding, and the SHIPS for America Act is being considered in Congress.

This rebuilding effort requires more than new docks and capital. It requires a deep bench of skilled domestic manufacturing suppliers who can produce and restore the precision components that ships depend on. At HFW Industries, we have spent over 75 years developing the relevant expertise. Today, we offer comprehensive thermal spraying, hardfacing, machining, and precision grinding services.

HVOF thermal spraying of a roll.
HVOF thermal spraying of a roll.

How the Jones Act Impacts Supply Chain

The Jones Act requires that vessels transporting cargo between U.S. ports be built in the United States and owned by U.S. citizens. Although the Jones Act was temporarily waived by the Trump administration on March 17, the law remains on the books in the long term,  and it puts a premium on domestic suppliers. Shipyards need manufacturers who can deliver precision components on time, without relying on overseas sourcing. HFW Industries is positioned to meet that need.

HFW and the Shipbuilding Supply Chain

HFW Industries is a one-source industrial manufacturer and repair provider based in Buffalo, New York. Our capabilities include thermal spray coatings, hardfacing, precision machining, and precision grinding, with direct experience across the systems that ships depend on most.

Coatings for Propulsion and Steam Turbine Systems

Ships, particularly naval and commercial vessels in the LNG and tanker sectors, are largely steam-driven. Steam turbines and their associated shafts are among the most demanding components in any propulsion system. HFW Industries has extensive experience in manufacturing and rebuilding most major steam turbine components that are heavily used for marine power generation. Whether you need new components manufactured complete, coating and finishing of rotating components, or worn equipment rebuilt to new condition, we have the expertise to deliver.

Thermal Spray Coatings for Protecting Maritime Equipment

Exposure to water can lead to significant corrosion of industrial equipment. HFW applies thermal spray aluminum and other corrosion-resistant coatings to components that operate in or around both freshwater and saltwater environments. We can also rebuild ship-to-shore and ship-to-submarine components, such as connectors, rings, and couplings, using arc spray and HVOF processes, depending on material requirements. These are components that sit in water, face constant corrosion pressure, and require precise dimensional restoration when worn.

Thermal spray coatings can also be used to improve anti-fouling properties and prevent harmful organic buildup on maritime components. These coatings can be applied to various large pump components including impellers, bowls, and some tubing, depending on size. Hardface welding may also be used to restore the original dimensions of pump components and improve their surface hardness. These improvements can extend service life and reduce replacement costs.

Capacity, Lead Time, and Location

One of the most consistent challenges shipyards face today is workforce and lead time. Some yards may have the technical capability to manufacture or rebuild components internally but not the staffing to keep pace with production schedules. We operate as a manufacturing and rebuild partner for that work, a complement to shipyard capacity rather than a replacement for it.

Our facility in Buffalo, New York sits within a day's drive of every major East Coast port. We are also connected to the Great Lakes system, one of the most significant inland shipping networks in the world, with access to the Atlantic through the St. Lawrence Seaway. That geography makes us a practical partner for East Coast and Great Lakes shipbuilding operations alike.

The electric arc metallizing process at HFW Industries.
The electric arc metallizing process at HFW Industries.

HFW Is Built for This Moment

The resurgence of American shipbuilding is a national security imperative. The investments underway in Philadelphia, the policy frameworks being established in Washington, and an order on the books for a LNG tanker signal a multi-decade industrial shift. Suppliers who can deliver precision manufacturing, corrosion protection, turbomachinery expertise, and reliable lead times will be central to that effort.

Ready to Discuss Your Shipbuilding Needs?

We have the capabilities, the location, and 75 years of industrial experience to be that partner. If your operation is involved in shipbuilding or maritime manufacturing, we want to hear from you. Contact our project management team to discuss how our services can support your shipbuilding or maritime manufacturing operation.

📞 Call us at (716) 875-3380
📧 Email: RFQ@hfwindustries.com

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Marine Steam Turbine Repair and Coating: How HFW Supports the American Shipbuilding Revival

Here, you see the CNC cylindrical grinding of a turbine shaft.