Anti Corrosion Coatings for Ships, Boats and Marine Equipment
Our coatings act as a durable barrier against corrosion and rust, helping ships, boats, and offshore equipment stay operational for longer.
Protecting Vessels from Corrosion and Rust
Marine vessels operate in conditions where corrosion is almost unavoidable. Hull structures, deck equipment and structural components are constantly exposed to salt spray, humidity and physical wear. Over time, these factors gradually weaken unprotected metal surfaces.
Thermal spray coatings offer a practical approach to managing this problem. By applying metals such as zinc or aluminium directly onto prepared steel surfaces, the coating acts as a sacrificial barrier – meaning it corrodes before the underlying steel does. As a result, the structure beneath remains protected for many years.
Why It Matters
For those responsible for maintaining marine assets, corrosion protection directly affects operational reliability. Structural degradation can quickly lead to costly repairs, extended downtime and safety concerns if left unmanaged.
Unlike traditional paint systems that may require frequent reapplication, thermal spray coatings provide long-term protection with minimal maintenance. This is particularly valuable for vessels that operate in remote locations or remain at sea for long periods.
Common Applications
Fishing Boats
Fishing vessels spend most of their working life exposed to salt spray, rough weather and constant deck activity. Applying a thermal sprayed metal layer helps protect structural steel, lifting gear and deck fittings from corrosion.
Cargo Ships
Commercial cargo ships operate for long periods in open sea conditions where saltwater exposure is unavoidable. Protective metal coatings are commonly applied to hull sections, deck structures and handling equipment to control corrosion over time.
Naval Vessels
Naval vessels and defence systems operate in environments where reliability and durability are critical. Thermal spray coatings are often used to protect exposed steel structures and components, helping maintain operational readiness during extended deployments.
Propellers
Propellers operate under constant seawater exposure, high rotation speeds and mechanical stress. A sprayed metallic coating helps protect the surface from corrosion and wear, supporting smoother propulsion and longer service life.
How Does the Coating Process Work?
We use metal and thermal spray technology.
This is a process where metal wire or powder is heated and propelled onto a prepared surface at high speed. The molten particles flatten when they hit the metal surface and quickly solidify, forming a tightly bonded protective layer.
Before the coating is applied, the component is carefully prepared through abrasive blasting.
Once the surface is prepared, specialised thermal spray equipment is used to apply the coating. Metals such as zinc or aluminium are commonly used in marine environments because they provide strong resistance to corrosion. The sprayed metal forms a protective barrier that shields the steel beneath from seawater exposure.
Working With Us
At Metallisation Ltd, we have extensive experience delivering thermal spray coating solutions for marine environments. Our team works with shipbuilders, marine engineers, and vessel operators to provide corrosion protection that performs in demanding conditions.
Every project begins with understanding the specific requirements of the vessel or equipment. Marine structures vary widely, and selecting the right coating system is important for long term performance. Our specialists can guide you through the process, from surface preparation to coating application, with a focus on practical, reliable results.
We combine proven thermal spray technology with industry experience to help marine operators protect their assets from corrosion. Whether you’re looking to coat new components or refurbish existing structures, our goal is to provide a solution that supports long service life and dependable performance.
Marine Case Studies
Metallisation Equipment Protecting Fishing Boats
Reason for use: Parkol Marine Engineering, based in Whitby, has recently applied a thermal sprayed zinc coating to a new whitefish trawler, the Resilient LK195, to protect it from corrosion.
Deflected Flame Extension used on RNLI Launch Carriers
Reason for use: Corrosion protection.
Protecting Ships and Trawlers from Corrosion
Reason for use: The anti-corrosive properties of the metal spraying process are widely recognised in the shipping and marine industry. Metal or thermal spraying is a technology, which protects or extends the life of a wide variety of structures in the most hostile environments and in situations where coatings are vital for safety and performance
Marine Example Applications
Arcspray Reclamation of Rudder Posts
Reason for use: Reclamation of worn rudder posts. The Shipping Industry, like any other Industry, has its share of wear problems. These are generated by the very harsh conditions of a Marine Environment; ships are sometimes at sea for months at a time with limited regular maintenance to some of the extreme areas….
Flamespray Reclamation of Rudder Posts
Reason for use: Reclamation of worn rudder posts. The Shipping Industry, like any other Industry, has its share of wear problems. These are generated by the very harsh conditions of a Marine Environment; ships are sometimes at sea for months at a time with limited regular maintenance to some of the extreme areas….
Arcspray Reclamation of Ships Propeller Shafts
Reason for use: To repair the worn bearing areas on a ships propeller shaft. Due to the constant rotation of a ships propeller shaft in a harsh marine environment, the bearing areas are very susceptible to wear, consequently giving rise to the inclusion of sand, salt water and other debris, leading to bearing…
Flamespray Reclamation of Ships Propeller Shafts
Reason for use: To repair the worn bearing areas on a ships propeller shaft. Due to the constant rotation of a ships propeller shaft in a harsh marine environment, the bearing areas are very susceptible to wear, consequently giving rise to the inclusion of sand, salt water and other debris, leading to bearing…
Jet Pump Dredger – Quarry Lake
Reason for use: Long term corrosion protection in abrasive environment. Since the metal spraying process was pioneered in the U.K. by Metallisation Ltd., of Dudley, West Midlands, one of its principal applications has been as an anti-corrosive protective treatment for structural and other steelwork.
Ships walkways / heli-decks
Reason for use: Corrosion protection. Can also be sprayed as a rough coating or with Al-Oxide for non-skid surface. Metallisation corrosion protection The structural steelwork of a helicopter landing platform is protected against the severe corrosion attach of its marine environment by the Metallisation Arcspray process.
Ships gun turrets
Reason for use: The anti-corrosive properties of the metal spraying process are widely recognised in the shipping and marine industry