Analysis of Field Observations of Severe MIC of FPSO Mooring Chains

This chapter describes field observations for the corrosion of mooring chains used for offshore operations with FPSOs (Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading vessels) as used increasingly in the oil and gas industry. Field experience in tropical seawaters has shown some chains to develop severe localized corrosion (or pitting) after only eight years' exposure, much more than typical. It is shown that microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) was involved, attributed to nutrient pollution even though FPSOs were far removed from shore-based human and environmental influences.