By D. Terry Greenfield, Principal Consultant, CONSULEX
The United States is embarking on one of the most ambitious shipbuilding revivals in recent history, driven by growing global maritime competition, renewed investments in national defense, and the strategic need to revitalize our industrial base. But as we rebuild dry docks, ramp up production, and invest in cutting-edge naval and commercial vessels, a less visible but critical threat looms: corrosion.
Corrosion isn’t just rust. It’s a relentless, multibillion-dollar adversary threatening our entire maritime fleet’s longevity, reliability, and cost-efficiency. Without a national strategy to manage corrosion and strengthen the skilled workforce required to prevent it, we risk watching our investments disintegrate beneath us.
Corrosion costs the U.S. economy more than $500 billion, including billions in losses to the Department of Defense alone. For shipbuilders, asset owners, and operators, corrosion drives up maintenance expenses, shortens service life, disrupts readiness, and undermines safety. From splash zones and ballast tanks to topside structures and nonskid decks, every inch of a vessel is vulnerable if not adequately protected.
These aren’t just technical challenges but economic and national security concerns. In fact, 266 aviation mishaps in the Army and Navy between 1983 and 2013 were directly linked to corrosion-related issues. The consequences range from mission failure to loss of life, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive corrosion control.
That’s where the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) steps in. With more than 36,000 members worldwide and a legacy of training over 65,000 maritime professionals, AMPP is the global authority in corrosion prevention and protective coatings. We bring together the expertise, standards, and workforce development needed to safeguard the maritime sector.
As a strategic ally to both military and commercial shipbuilders, AMPP is advancing the future of U.S. shipbuilding in five critical ways:
If the U.S. is serious about revitalizing its maritime industrial base, we must treat corrosion prevention as a pillar of our national shipbuilding strategy, not an afterthought. That means integrating AMPP standards into design and construction from day one. It means training the next generation of coatings inspectors, applicators, and engineers. It also means forging stronger partnerships between shipyards, government agencies, and organizations like AMPP.
Corrosion is silent, but its consequences are not. As the commercial marine industry charts its course for a more competitive and sustainable future, let’s ensure that what we build today lasts tomorrow and long after.
