Structural corrosion in the global industry is an economic and environmental issue
Regular corrosion checking is crucial to secure safety and expand the lifetime of marine structures. As an example, traditional oil and gas, windmill and offshore solar farms are affected by corrosion, which can result in catastrophic environmental impacts. According to the NACE International Institute this issue costs the maritime industry between $50 and $80 billion yearly.
To address this problem, in March 2018 the project coordinator Dr João Tedim, of the University of Aveiro, Portugal, partners SINTEF Industry in Norway, and AquaBioTech Group in Malta, collaborated on the MarTERA “SMARTAQUA, Development of Smart Nanostructured Layers for Sensing Corrosion in Aquatic Structures” project. The project aimed to develop a sensing nanolayer, incorporating smart additives and combining colorimetric with magnetic detection. It is to be applied directly to steel structures to provide a cost-effective, reliable means of detecting corrosion degradation.
Owen Bonnici, minister for equality, research and innovation said: “What is particularly precious about this project is that it was undertaken through a consortium of three partners from three different European countries; Malta, Portugal and Norway, which results in priceless knowledge exchange. Over 90% of all goods entering or leaving Malta pass through our ports. Hence, the vital importance of the sector is undeniable and investments in this sector are essential to ensure that the sector continues evolving with the needs of today.”
The SMARTAQUA partners ran laboratory assays to test if the coatings produced were effective in detecting corrosion. The University of Aveiro tested the coatings on a lab setting and the AquaBioTech Group tested the same coatings in the field. Both lab and field tests showed very promising results. The coating is serving its purpose and a colour change is observed on the coating when corrosion occurs on steel substrates.
After three years, the project has now concluded and AquaBioTech Group and Malta Council for Science and Technology organised an online event on Wednesday, November 3rd . The topics discussed at the occasion were the importance of collaborative innovation, outputs from the key researchers during the project life cycle and future innovations in aquaculture structures, offshore wind foundations, oil and gas structures and ship hulls.
During his opening speech, Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando-Executive Chairman of the Malta Council for Science and Technology – said that: “SMARTAQUA is one of the successful projects that received funding from MCST, Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) and the Research Council of Norway, as well as additional funding from the European Commission. Now that it has reached its maturity, MCST acknowledges that is has supported a remarkable project that focuses on developing a corrosion sensing technology that can be applied to various aquatic structures and ship hulls.”
He added that: “Safeguarding our seas is critical to securing the livelihoods of many industries that serve as pillars of the Maltese economy – fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transportation and tourism. MCST will continue to promote international collaboration in blue economy research to help capitalise on the results obtained through programs, such as MarTERA, and continue developing local capacity in this sector.”
Local and international stakeholders attended the event who followed technical presentations by the project researchers.
