Following the successful installation of a Cathelco pipework anti-fouling system on the Sigloo Espoo in 2005, three further TESMA managed vessels have been fitted at the Sembawang Shipyard in Singapore. The latest ships to be installed are the Sigloo Crystal, Sigloo Endurance and Sigloo Discovery, ethylene carriers owned by Eitzen Norgas Gas Carriers.

In each case, the vessels had copper and aluminium anodes fitted in their strainers which are connected to a control panel and fed with an electrical current. In operation, the copper anode produces ions which prevent barnacles and mussels from settling and growing in the pipework. At the same time, the aluminium anode produces ions which result in the formation of a cupro-aluminium film on the internal surfaces of pipes to suppress corrosion.

The option of strainer mounted anodes means that the ship does not have to be drydocked for the installation to take place. This means that systems can be fitted immediately whilst the ship is alongside. There is also the added advantage that anode replacement can be carried out at any time

Smaller vessels fitted recently include the Maridive 86 and Maridive 87, two anchor handling tugs operated by Maridive Oil & Services of Egypt. During the last 18 months a total of nine Maridive vessels have been installed with Cathelco systems in a programme of retrofits. This will give reliable protection to the craft, which are frequently operating in warm inshore waters where bio-fouling can be at its most prolific.

MJ Information No: 22611