The main objective of MARINAL is to strengthen and extend the use of aluminium (Al) alloys inmarine applications offering a throughout “green” solution. An important obstacle against extendeduse of Al in marine applications is uncertainty about the corrosion properties. Marine and offshoredesign codes and standards are focused on steel and do not provide the necessary information on howto use Al. Therefore, Al is not even considered by marine engineers and designers. The focus of theproject will therefore be fundamental studies of corrosion properties of standard Al alloys, includingrecycled alloys, in marine conditions and development of innovative environmentally friendlyprotection solutions.Three specific technical challenges have been identified to be crucial for increased use of Al inmarine constructions, and will receive attention in his project:• Avoiding galvanic corrosion in joint between Al and other materials, C-steel and stainless steel inparticular.• Improved understanding of specific corrosion mechanism, i.e. (1) corrosion during wet-dry cyclicexposure in marine atmosphere and splash zone, (2) microbial induced corrosion, and (3) effect oftemperature on corrosion in immersion conditions.• Establishing methods, processes and parameters for corrosion protection of Al in marineconstructions, i.e. (1) cathodic protection when immersed in seawater and (2) blast cleaning andspray painting for exposure in atmosphere and splash zone.In addition, we will estimate the climatic and environmental impact of increased use of Al in marineconstructions compared to other materials.Results from the project will be disseminated through scientific publications, seminars andworkshops. After the project, the results will be used to improve and write new standards,specifications and recommended practices for using Al in marine constructions, providing marineengineers and designers with the necessary toolbox for safe and efficient use of Al.
