Corrosion prevention

This research evaluates the efficacy and practical challenges of various corrosion prevention techniques applied to ship hulls, with a specific focus on identifying best-practice methods suited for the tropical marine environment of West Africa. Corrosion, accelerated by high temperatures, elevated salinity, and intense microbiological activity prevalent in these waters, significantly compromises vessel safety, operational efficiency, and necessitates substantial maintenance expenditure. The study employed a comprehensive literature review and comparative analysis across three primary defense strategies: Protective Coatings, Sacrificial Anode Cathodic Protection (SACP), and Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP). Findings confirm that an integrated protection system is mandatory, where high- performance multi-layer coatings serve as the primary barrier, and Cathodic Protection acts as the essential secondary defense against localized failure. Specifically, the combination of robust coatings with ICCP is determined to be the most durable and cost-effective long-term solution for large commercial vessels, while SACP is preferable for smaller coastal crafts due to its simplicity and low maintenance. Crucially, the analysis identifies significant regional challenges, including poor surface preparation standards, skill gaps among applicators, and limited access to certified tropical- grade materials, which collectively undermine the performance of advanced techniques. The research concludes with key recommendations centered on implementing standards, developing local corrosion models, and strengthening policy enforcement and technical training to ensure sustainable and effective hull preservation in the region