De Baere, K.

Dewil, R.

Potters, G.

Verstraelen, H.

Open Marine Archive

  
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STUDY OF CHEMICAL AND MICROBIAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE 
CORROSION IN BALLAST TANKS ON BOARD OF MERCHANT NAVY 
VESSELS 
De Baere Kris1, Helen Verstraelen1 , Raf Dewil2 and Geert Potters3 
1 Hogere Zeevaartschool Antwerpen, Noordkasteel oost 6, 2030 Antwerpen 
E-mail: kris.de.baere@hzs.be  
2 De Nayer Instituut, J. De Nayerlaan 5, 2860 Sint Katelijne Waver 
³ Departement Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen, Universiteit Antwerpen, Middelheimcampus, 
Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen 
 
In 2008, the Antwerp Maritime Academy together with the University of Antwerp started a BOF 
project aiming to establish the driving forces behind corrosion in ballast tanks of merchant navy 
vessels. 
 
During a period of two years, the researchers did in situ inspections in more than 100 ballast tanks. 
The tank condition was compared with international accepted standards. These standards were too 
complex to allow statistical interpretation. An own index was developed, quantifying corrosion with 
only one figure. Pictures of the tank structure and samples of mud and rust were taken. These 
samples were then chemically and microbiologically analysed at the University of Antwerp. 
 
The methodology of the research technique was published in the October and November numbers 
of ‘Materials Performance’, a NACE publication. 
 
The project has reached the final phase where conclusions can be drawn. We were able to establish 
a general corrosion model showing the function between age and corrosion. A number of other 
correlations surfaced, such as the relation between corrosion and trading area, land of construction, 
ballast frequency, ship’s type and coating type 
 
Particularly interesting are the graphs concerning the effect of sacrificial anodes in relation to the 
ballast pattern. 
 
Traditionally zinc anodes are considered as the best way to fight corrosion in ballast spaces after 
coating failure. We proved this thesis to be a myth for the majority of the tanks.  
 
One of the results of this study will be a clear message to the ship-owners. The use of an improved 
coating system is to be preferred above the use of sacrificial anodes. 
 
 


Study of chemical and microbial factors affecting the corrosion in ballast tanks on board of merchant navy vessels

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