Investigation of Single Point Mooring Anchor Chain Corrosion Rate for Different Rate of Salinity in Malaysia Waters

Abstract This research study investigates the corrosion of Single Point Mooring (SPM) anchor chains in various Malaysian saline waters, aiming to understand its impact on marine structures. Corrosion in these environments accelerates the degradation of materials, threatening structural integrity and safety, and leading to higher maintenance costs and potential operational failures. The research employed both gravimetric and electrochemical methods to measure corrosion rates. In the gravimetric method, anchor chain samples were immersed in saline water from Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia for up to 28 days. The recorded corrosion rates were 0.11, 0.12, and 0.12 mm/year, respectively. The electrochemical method included Potentiodynamic Polarization (Tafel Analysis) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Tafel analysis yielded corrosion rates of 0.11, 0.09, and 0.11 mm/year, while EIS provided qualitative insights despite software limitations. The study concludes that the saline waters significantly influence the corrosion rates of SPM anchor chains, with slight regional variations. These findings underscore the necessity for effective protective measures to prevent rapid deterioration and ensure the long-term safety and durability of marine structures.