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.

Background

The global significance of ship corrosion emerged in the early 20th century as steel-hulled vessels became standard, with catastrophic failures and mounting maintenance costs drawing attention to the issue. Wartime naval losses and peacetime shipping accidents highlighted the vulnerability of maritime infrastructure. International research intensified after the 1950s, as the scale of economic and environmental impacts became evident, prompting coordinated efforts to understand and mitigate corrosion in diverse marine environments.

Incidence

Corrosion of ships is a pervasive issue affecting commercial, military, and fishing fleets worldwide, leading to significant economic losses and safety risks. The global shipping industry spends billions annually on maintenance, repairs, and premature vessel decommissioning due to corrosion damage. This problem is particularly acute in regions with high humidity, warm temperatures, and polluted waters, impacting both developed and developing nations and threatening maritime trade and environmental safety.
In 2022, the bulk carrier MV Wakashio suffered severe hull corrosion while anchored off the coast of Mauritius, contributing to a catastrophic oil spill. Investigations highlighted inadequate maintenance and accelerated corrosion as key factors.

Claim

The corrosion of ships is a critical and urgent problem that cannot be ignored. It threatens the safety of crews, the integrity of global trade, and the environment by causing structural failures and oil spills. Neglecting this issue leads to massive financial losses and catastrophic disasters. Immediate action and investment in advanced anti-corrosion technologies are essential to protect lives, assets, and our oceans from the devastating consequences of unchecked ship corrosion.

Counter-claim

The so-called "corrosion of ships" is vastly overblown and hardly a pressing issue. Modern materials and coatings have rendered ship corrosion nearly irrelevant, with routine maintenance easily preventing any serious damage. Compared to real maritime challenges like navigation safety or environmental threats, corrosion is a minor inconvenience. Pouring resources into combating it is unnecessary; the problem is already well-managed and does not deserve the attention or concern it currently receives.