Why Cathodic Protection Matters for Your Vessel?

Marine corrosion is the #1 enemy of any steel vessel. Without adequate protection, a hull can lose several millimetres of thickness per year, jeopardising its structure and crew safety.

The Principle of Cathodic Protection

Sacrificial anodes (usually zinc or aluminium) are made of a metal more "electronegative" than the hull's steel. By corroding instead of the hull, they protect it.

"A well-maintained cathodic protection system can extend the life of a hull by 20 to 30 years."

When to Replace the Anodes?

Several signs indicate a replacement is needed:

1. Wear greater than 50%: the anode no longer fulfils its role
2. Detachment: the anode has detached from its support
3. Localised corrosion: rust spots on the hull
4. Annual inspection: systematic check in dry dock

Our Intervention Process

At Ray's Company & Services, we measure the effectiveness of cathodic protection and the percentage of anode consumption. For renewals, we use hyperbaric dry chamber welding, a technique that allows work to be carried out underwater without taking the vessel out of the water.

Benefits of Our Approach

• Hyperbaric welding: no need for dry-docking
• Potential measurement: electrochemical verification of protection
• Detailed report: photographic and technical documentation
• Compliance: MARPOL and IMO standards

ROI for the Shipowner

Investment in cathodic protection typically represents less than 1% of the cost of replacing a hull. It is one of the most cost-effective maintenance operations, to be scheduled every 2 to 3 years.

Ask us for a free audit of your cathodic protection system.