Corrosion Analysis and Prevention Techniques on Marine Steel Structures

Abstract

Steel structures used in marine environments are highly susceptible to corrosion due to direct exposure to electrolytic seawater, as well as fluctuations in temperature and salinity. This study aims to examine the corrosion mechanisms affecting marine steel and to evaluate the effectiveness of various protection methods, including protective coatings, corrosion inhibitors, and cathodic protection systems. The research methods include corrosion rate measurement through mass loss tests, surface morphology analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical testing using Tafel and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Experimental results show that the highest corrosion rate occurs in the splash zone, which undergoes frequent wet-dry cycles, with a rate of 0.35 mm per year. A cathodic protection system using magnesium anodes successfully reduced the corrosion rate by up to 80%, while a dual-layer epoxy coating demonstrated optimal protection in high-salinity environments. These findings suggest that combining coating techniques with cathodic protection is the most effective strategy for mitigating corrosion in marine steel structures, particularly in areas exposed to harsh conditions. This research contributes to the development of more efficient and sustainable corrosion protection systems in marine engineering.