The estimated annual cost of corrosion for the Shipping Industry in the USA was $2.7 Billion (Final Report FHWA-RD-01-156, 2001).
From the perspective of corrosion, salt water is one of the most aggressive natural environments on earth; however, ships face a highly aggressive environment in both fresh and salt water.
The tanker Erika sunk in the Bay of Biscay (France) after breaking in two during a gale in 1999. The accident was attributed to significant corrosion of the internal structure of the vessel.
