Improved Corrosion Protection in Crude Oil Tanks

Corrosion is one of the decisive factors influencing service life and profitability of ships, above all for tankers. Damages to the outer skin, the tanks and especially the cargo tanks can lead to costly repairs and lengthy downtime. In order to provide protection from corrosion, the tanks of oil tanker newbuildings are being partially coated. Appreciating the significance of a perfect coating inside cargo tanks, Germanischer Lloyd has issued rules for corrosion protection in crude oil tanks. This protection system is being documented in a special class notation "CARGO TANK COATING". It increases the service life, reduces maintenance and renders better resale opportunity.

Corrosion seems to be inevitable - in contact with their environment materials deteriorate. Crude oils and related impurities such as sulphur are aggressive substances; mechanical loads do their part as well attacking steel. Susceptible areas such as bottom and top of the tanks are highly endangered by corrosion attack.

Germanischer Lloyd's class notation "CARGO TANK COATING" clearly defines the coating details, including specification of where to coat how, the surface preparation as well as the surveying process. In the course of the years the condition of this corrosion protection is checked and reported. In case of repairs consultancy is offered, and the necessary work is carried out under the supervision of a GL surveyor.