Recent advances in the use of stainless steel for offshore and seawater applications

Over the last three or four years, operators and contractors have become increasingly aware of the enormous cost being sustained as a result of corrosion on offshore rigs and installations. Many different approaches to combating these corrosion areas are being made, ranging from the use of exotic alloys, to the use of epoxy or rubber coatings. Generally speaking, there is a place and a use for each of these methods and to a large extent a natural selection of the optimum material is taking place. Stainless steel, in particular is increasing widely used.