Easy Corrosion Protection in Superyacht Void Spaces

November 16, 2022

While most of the world’s population will never make it aboard a superyacht, chances are that corrosion will find its way into one (or more) of the voids on these multi-million-dollar pleasure vessels. Corrosion from humidity condensation is common but difficult to address in these unseen and hard-to-reach spaces. However, avoiding the dangers of void space superyacht corrosion is much less daunting when understood from the perspective of Cortec’s Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor Technology.

Danger of Void Space Corrosion
But why the concern for void space protection in the first place? The most obvious reason is concern for the vessel’s integrity, which affects both the safety of passengers and the pocketbook of the superyacht owner who has already invested millions of dollars. Annual inspections are therefore critical to detect any unseen, dangerous void space corrosion. Maxime Cousquer, Preservation Technician at Interface Field Services, has provided preservation consulting on a variety of dry-docking superyacht projects and explained some of the risk factors: “Because of the condensation, the void space start[s] to rust. It’s a common issue especially inside yacht[s] built around 2010 and before.” He went on to note that because these voids are difficult to access, a protective coating cannot be applied. This leaves bare metal exposed and vulnerable to any condensation or moisture that enters the void.

Advantages of Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor Technology
Fortunately, Cortec’s Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor (VpCI®) Technology offers outstanding advantages for void space protection in the hulls or fenders of superyachts. Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors in liquid or powder form make the technology adaptable and easy to apply. Vaporphase action provides comprehensive protection as VpCI® molecules diffuse throughout the space and are attracted to metal surfaces where they adsorb in a protective layer. If disturbed, other protective vapor molecules fill in the gap. With proper dosing, the protection will continue long-term until the VpCI® source needs replenishing.

Superyacht Preservation Examples
Interface Field Services recently shared two examples of void space protection aboard superyachts—one a superyacht available for rent at more than $300,000 per week, another available for weekly lease at more than twice that cost. In the first yacht, corrosion was beginning to attack the surface of the metal inside the voids. VpCI®-609 S was selected and fogged into Void Space 1 and Void Space 2 using some, but not all, of the access doors. Initial application was done in 2020. When the company came for inspection in 2021, they found the corrosion coupons to be in excellent condition and decided to wait one more year before reapplication of VpCI®-609 S (except for a precautionary addition to Void Space 1 where condensed water was found). The superyacht continues to use VpCI®-609 S for void space protection to date.

Another superyacht available for more than $700,000 per weekly lease had a slightly different challenge. Corrosion protection was needed inside two fenders. However, the serpentine network inside the fenders made it too difficult to fog them with VpCI®-609 S. The decision was made to apply a solution of VpCI®- 649 mixed with water, fill the fenders completely, and leave them overnight before draining the solution. This dwell time would allow a corrosion inhibiting film to form inside the fender internals. The product was applied in May 2022 with a safe estimate of corrosion protection for one year before reapplication.

A Common-Sense Investment
VpCI® Technology is an easy way to apply comprehensive corrosion protection to void spaces in superyachts or other marine vessels. Vaporphase action makes it uniquely adaptable to unseen, inaccessible areas. Compared to the value of a superyacht—and even the repair costs required for corrosion damage—corrosion protection with VpCI® is a common-sense, economical investment with far-reaching benefits. Contact Cortec® and Interface Field Services to learn more about void space protection in yachts and other seagoing vessels.

Cortec®: https://www.cortecvci.com/contact-us/
Interface Field Services (serving France): adv@ifservices.fr

Keywords: corrosion protection, superyacht corrosion, corrosion from condensation, corrosion from seawater, void space corrosion, corrosion inhibitor, superyacht preservation, Cortec, VpCI, how to prevent corrosion on ships

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