Hull mounted shipboard ICCP systems provide cathodic protection in the marine and offshore environment on FPSO and FSU vessels. These vessels usually remain on station for many years with limited drydock opportunity to repair or replace the hull mounted ICCP anodes. Failing and non-operational ICCP anodes can be detected by various methods, by testing at the topside ICCP power supply and during routine subsea surveys. But once detected, on-station repair or replacement is difficult.
The Question
Are the ICCP hull anodes operational?
The Challenge
The ICCP hull anode cofferdams and associated cabling are often located in places that make inspection difficult and expensive. They are often located in ships tanks where access is not possible.
The Fix
If a faulty or damaged ICCP anode connection is suspected within the cofferdam and the opportunity presents itself, get in there and physically examine the connection. Any packing material can be removed and the cable and connection examined. A cable repair at the cofferdam may be all that is required to reactivate the ICCP anode.
Subsea Corrosion engineers have the qualifications and experience to conduct this type of examination. Guidance and recommendations on repair options can be provided, giving owners and operators peace of mind that their structures are cathodically protected. Simple fixes can reduce expensive and possibly unnecessary cathodic protection retrofit costs.
