Taking care of Ballast Tank Coatings = Green Ballast Tanks Coatings

摘要

Shipping plays an important role in the logistic chain. The seaworthiness of ships transporting goods worldwide is therefore crucial.rnOne element defining the seaworthiness of a ship is the condition of her ballast tanks. These tanks are an area of concern for shiprnowners and crew. They are subject to corrosion; and due to the enclosed environment and complex structure, maintenance is veryrndifficult and costly.rnThis paper gives the results of an “in situ” study of ballast tanks on board of more than 150 merchant ships. No selection criteria werernapplied from the start and the ships were surveyed as opportunity arose. Most of the ships are worldwide trading and the age variesrnbetween brand new and 36 years. Figure 1 gives a good idea of the age distribution. Many types of ships are represented in the databasernamongst others 10 oil tankers, 14 liquefied gas carrier, 25 chemical tankers, 28 bulk carriers, 23 full containers carriers, 5 generalrncargoes, 9 RoRo’s, 8 refrigerated ships.rnSurface corrosion was assessed, compared and the importance of condition and environmental parameters during coating applicationrnrecognised. The paper also reveals the significant difference between the average corrosion regression line of the database and therncoating condition in the ballast tanks on board ships to where the operator invested in a superior coating system at new building, withrnextra attention to surface preparation and coating application.rnThe need to reduce the environmental impact of shipping becomes more and more obvious. Blasting with shot and grit, vast amounts ofrnwater used for water-jetting and rinsing, surface cleaning and high solvent coatings jeopardize our future generations. Luckily, thernreduction of the environmental impact has beneficial economic consequences as it brings down significantly maintenance costs.