New Technologies and Electrification
Managing Director of MPS, Jessica Gatt recently presented at the ASMEX 2021 conference at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort on the Gold Coast. ASMEX is the Australia’s flagship marine industry conference preceding the annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and it was a great opportunity for lively discussion from a variety of Key Speakers.
This years theme was "Demonstrating Strength and Resilience" and examined the recent growth across the Australian marine industry. Electrification was also in focus and the impact of new technology seeing vessels with high levels of electrification and more complex systems (for example electric hybrid engines) and what this means for the industry.
MPS was joined by an expert panel of representatives from Volvo Penta and E-Class Outboards. Jess focused her presentation on education and the flow on effects from electrification and the effects for vessels in this changing landscape. She advocated for the industry to work together and focus on proactive solutions whilst also lessening impact on the marine biosphere.
Exploring the difference between Direct and Alternating currents and how they can cause primary and secondary corrosion Jess used visual examples to. witness the evidence of stray DC currents and how they can cause aggressive pitting and the all too common "Swiss cheese" effect, which is a leading cause of increased environmental corrosion activity on vessels.
Explaining how AC stray currents deflect coatings, increase marine growth and lead to modified anode performance, it was illustrated that increased consumption and decreased efficiencies are both leading causes of issues which can reflect on onboard safety and increased capital outlay.
The increased electrical systems now on board vessels all can contribute to an increase of problems that promote degradation to your vessel. Understanding these risks is essential not only identification but forming a risk management strategy which prioritises proactive maintenance and monitoring.
Minimising stray currents is essential to reducing anode fallout, maximising coating performance, reducing marine growth and metallic fallout. Understanding their interactions and inherent risks is an essential part of Logix Consulting's rectification pathway which allows vessels to maximise efficiencies, especially with coating loss and fuel burn. Preventative maintenance is the winner for minimising time out of the water and additional maintenance costs whilst also reducing environment impact.
Future thinking, adapting with technology, and adapting best practices. is the way forward. We need to find a balance between anodes and coatings that not only win the war against corrosion, but also protect both boats and oceans.
Its clear Jessica has a passion for improving marine practices to minimise our effect on the environment and together with her business partner Brian Gatt MPS are market leaders in the manufacturing of anode technology and other vessel infrastructure that improves cathodic protection and vessel efficiencies.
To find out more about how you can "win the war" against corrosion or book a corrosion survey visit www.marineprosystems.com