Steel corrosion poses a significant hidden threat to environmental sustainability, according to Steelpaint, a Germany-based corrosion specialist. The company claims that inadequate corrosion protection contributes more to global CO2 emissions than the entire aviation industry. With maritime industries consuming around 100 million tonnes of steel annually, premature corrosion drives increased carbon emissions due to the need for frequent steel replacements, as noted by Steelpaint’s Managing Director, Klaus Müller. He emphasizes the necessity of effective steel protection for both economic and environmental reasons, stating that every premature steel failure initiates a cycle that hampers decarbonization efforts.
The carbon footprint of steel production is substantial, with the creation of a 10m by 10m, 20mm thick steel plate emitting approximately 3 tonnes of CO2. The logistical aspects, including transportation and coatings, further inflate this footprint. Müller points out that inadequate corrosion protection not only leads to premature replacement but also results in a series of carbon-intensive activities: increased extraction of raw materials, higher energy requirements for manufacturing, and additional emissions from transportation and installation. Research from Curtin University and Ohio State University highlights that 25% of global steel production is lost to corrosion, contributing 4 to 9% of total global emissions.
Steel demand is rapidly increasing, with projections for 2024 at 1.8 billion tonnes and anticipated growth of 2.9% by 2030. The shipbuilding industry alone accounts for 32.2 million tonnes annually, primarily consumed by China, South Korea, and Japan. Dmitry Gromilin, Steelpaint’s Chief Technical Supervisor, argues that optimizing corrosion protection can significantly reduce emissions, an aspect that has been largely overlooked in discussions about carbon emissions. Given the tightening emissions regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the industry’s shift towards sustainability, enhancing the durability of steel structures becomes crucial.
Gromilin notes that advanced coatings technology can extend the lifespan of maritime structures for decades, reducing replacement needs and ultimately lowering greenhouse gas emissions. By implementing solutions such as their isocyanates-free, low VOC moisture-cure polyurethane Stelcatec coating, Steelpaint aims to set a new standard in steel preservation, benefitting both the environment and the industry while helping to achieve the UN’s 17 Sustainability Goals.