Fast cat gets protected

An impressed current cathodic protection system from BAC Corrosion Control is to be used to provide long-term corrosion protection for the 86m gas turbine powered aluminium hulled catamaran Austal Auto Express 86, constructed by Austal Ships and destined for service in the Baltic. Although the vessel will have a maximum speed in excess of 50 knots it will operate at a service speed of around 40 knots and will be able to carry 186 cars and over 1,000 passengers.

The systems are installed in the water jet tunnel, void space and bow thruster tunnel. The sea chests and hull are also being monitored. The drive shafts are fitted with BAC shaft earthing and monitoring systems to prevent erosion.

An impressed current system uses inert (non-galvanic) anodes with an external source of low voltage DC power to impress a current from anode to cathode (hull). Reference electrodes, installed adjacent to the anodes, are electrically connected into the system to provide a remote monitoring facility that continuously presents information, both visual and in printed log form, on the bridge, says BAC.

Contact: Graeme Orr

Fax: +44 1952 290 325.