Every year, World Maritime Day highlights the essential role of the maritime industry in global trade, security, and sustainability. This year’s theme — “Our Ocean – Our Obligation – Our Opportunity” — reminds us that protecting the ocean is not just an environmental necessity, but an economic and security imperative. 

At the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), we believe corrosion prevention is one of the most effective ways to protect our oceans. When ships, ports, and offshore platforms are compromised by corrosion, the ripple effects extend far beyond the steel itself: 

• Environmental impact: Corrosion failures can increase emissions, release pollutants, and lead to premature asset replacement. 

• Economic cost: Billions are lost each year due to unplanned maintenance and downtime from corrosion. 

• Global security: Naval readiness and maritime safety depend on reliable assets that withstand the harshest marine environments. 

By extending the life of maritime assets, corrosion prevention directly reduces waste, protects ecosystems, and builds resilience across the global maritime supply chain. 

STANDARDS THAT STRENGTHEN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY

AMPP’s standards and certifications provide the foundation for protecting maritime infrastructure worldwide. A recent example is AMPP MR21506-2025: Universal Ultra-High Solids (UHS) and Solvent-Free (SF) Coatings Definition for the Maritime Industry. 

This standard: 

• Establishes a unified definition of UHS and SF coatings for predictable, consistent use across the industry. 

• Encourages the development of coatings that reduce solvent emissions while maintaining durability and performance. 

• Supports sustainability without compromising safety, economics, or asset life. 

By setting this foundation, AMPP helps the maritime industry move toward cleaner technologies, more efficient practices, and stronger environmental stewardship. 

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION 

Instead of waiting for problems to surface, AMPP works proactively to align technical expertise with global policy: 

• Partnership with IMO: AMPP collaborates with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure corrosion prevention and coatings innovation are part of international maritime strategies. 

• Workforce readiness: AMPP certifications equip professionals with the skills to apply coatings correctly, inspect assets rigorously, and keep vessels seaworthy. 

• Industry guidance: AMPP standards provide shipyards, operators, and regulators with the technical framework to make informed, sustainable decisions. 

This leadership ensures corrosion prevention is recognized as an engineering solution and an environmental and economic imperative. 

OUR OBLIGATION, OUR OPPORTUNITY 

As the maritime community reflects on World Maritime Day, AMPP reaffirms its commitment to advancing corrosion prevention. Through standards like MR21506-2025, workforce certifications, and global partnerships, we are helping to protect the ocean while extending the life of the vessels and structures that depend on it. 

Corrosion prevention may not always make headlines — but it is one of the most powerful ways we can fulfill our obligation to the ocean and seize the opportunity to build a more sustainable maritime future.