Cathelco are supplying hull corrosion protection systems and marine pipework anti-fouling systems for two new Ulstein X-Bow vessels which are being built for Polarcus, the marine geophysical company.
The systems will be installed on the newbuilds NB292 and NB293 which are being constructed by Ulstein Verft AS of Norway.
This follows the successful installation of similar equipment on the Polarcus Asima and Polarcus Alima which were launched in 2010.
The distinctive Ulstein X-Bow hull configuration provides the advantages of smoother acceleration and more stable towing power for the high ice class, 3D seismic vessels which have the capability to deploy up to 14 solid streamers.
Throughout their operational life, the hulls of the vessels will be protected from corrosion by Cathelco impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems.
The 200 amp systems will consist of four elliptical anodes mounted port and starboard and two reference electrodes connected to a control panel.
In operation, the reference electrodes measure the electrical potential at the hull/seawater interface and send a signal to the control panel which raises or lowers the anode output to provide the optimum level of corrosion protection at all times.
In addition, the vessels will be supplied with shaft earthing systems which protect against ‘spark erosion’ to the bearings and potential damage to the propellers.
Cathelco are also supplying marine pipework anti-fouling systems for the two new vessels which will protect four seachests on each against blockages caused by mussels and barnacles.
The engine room and auxiliary seachests will be fitted with copper and ferrous anodes which are wired to a control panel. In operation, the copper anodes produce ions which are carried through the seawater pipework system and create an environment where mussels and barnacles do not settle or breed. At the same time, the ferrous anodes produce ions which help to maintain a protective oxide layer on the internal surfaces of the cupro-nickel pipework to suppress corrosion.
Cathelco are world leaders in the manufacture of marine pipework anti-fouling systems with a record of more than 30,000 installations on vessels of every type.
The company has also developed a range of ICCP hull protection systems which are used on commercial vessels, high speed ferries and the warships of over 30 navies.
[mappress] Source:Cathelco, August 31, 2011;