Corrosion analysis of bulk carriers, Part I: operational parameters influencing corrosion rates

This paper considers the physical processes of corrosion that occur in bulk carriers. Three main types of corrosive environments are identified within a bulk carrier, namely, immersion in seawater, exposure to an enclosed atmosphere, and exposure to porous media. Fundamental variables influencing corrosion in each environment of the cargo hold region, ballast tanks and void spaces are identified. These serve to identify operational parameters that affect bulk carrier corrosion. It is proposed that such parameters can be used to obtain corrosion rate databases representative of vessel operation.