Proximity-fuzed shells mainly threaten exposed systems

Would proximity-fuzed naval shells be useful against ships?

Mostly against exposed systems such as radar; bursting outside the hull limits structural damage, and ordinary high explosive can serve a similar purpose.

Proximity-fuzed naval shells have been considered for use against surface targets. An airburst outside the hull limits the damage that reaches protected structure. Radar, antennas, and other exposed systems remain vulnerable to blast and fragments. A conventional high-explosive hit can attack those same systems while also offering more direct effect on the ship, so the special fuze is not a universal improvement.