Corrosion of ships

Fouling and rust of marine equipment

Nature

The action of salt on metal, oxidation, incrustation and fouling by objects, cause high costs to ocean transport due to ship damage and preventative maintenance. Sea-water, spray, and atmospheric corrosion, as well as rust, can penetrate all parts of ships interiors and exteriors. Incrustation of ship hulls, notably the underside, by algae, bacteria and other sea-borne organisms destroys paint, baring the metal to corrosion, whilst heavy layering by the encrusting organisms causes drag and higher fuel costs. Weakened or encrusted equipment and structures cause accidents, impair navigational ability, and may result in the total loss of a vessel.

Incidence

Corrosion of ships constitutes a persistent and costly problem for the global maritime industry, affecting commercial, military, and fishing fleets alike. The phenomenon leads to the premature deterioration of hulls, propulsion systems, and other metal structures, resulting in substantial financial losses due to increased maintenance, reduced lifespan, and even vessel loss. Estimates suggest worldwide corrosion costs to shipping exceed several billion US dollars annually, with notable impacts on maritime safety and trade efficiency.
In 2022, the tanker "MT New Diamond" suffered a catastrophic fire off Sri Lanka's coast, after corroded pipelines contributed to an oil leak. This incident spotlighted ongoing vulnerabilities stemming from insufficient corrosion management in aging vessels.

Claim

Corrosion of ships is a critical and urgent problem that cannot be ignored. It compromises vessel safety, endangers lives at sea, and leads to massive economic losses in repairs and downtime. Neglecting corrosion shortens ship lifespans and increases the risk of catastrophic accidents and environmental damage. Immediate and ongoing attention to corrosion prevention is not optional—it is absolutely essential to protect our marine industries, environment, and global trade networks.

Counter-claim

Frankly, the so-called “corrosion of ships” is an exaggerated concern that receives far too much attention. Modern materials and coatings have minimized the issue to near insignificance. Today's vessels are constructed to withstand harsh environments, and regular maintenance easily prevents any serious damage. Compared to real maritime challenges, the worry over corrosion is outdated and unnecessarily alarmist—it's simply not an important problem in contemporary shipping. Let’s focus on genuine issues instead.