The proposal aims to investigate two novel ideas concerning ship structures. First the introduction of High Strength Low Alloyed Steels (HSLA) in specific structural details in order to deal with the major issue of crack initiation and propagation in critical areas of ships and second the replacement of specific structural parts of the ship with composite materials. Regarding the use of HSLA steels, it has been well documented that today’s merchant ships are prone to crack initiation and propagation in stress concentration areas mostly due to fatigue loads.In this respect it is envisaged to replace Grade A or AH steels by HSLA steels with high toughness properties in specific areas of the ship structure, thereby reducing the risk of cracks developing in stress concentration areas. Concerning the use of composite materials, it is envisaged that they could replace parts of the steel structure, such as superstructures, piping and other non-critical parts. Composite materials can replace steel in certain parts of the ship thereby reducing weight and corrosion effects, without sacrificing structural integrity.