PORT MAINTENANCE
When sheet piles begin to deteriorate, replacement is not always the best — or even the most practical — option.
and construction costs can make full replacement prohibitively difficult. A properly engineered rehabilita- tion strategy can provide another path forward. By combining structural rehabili- tation with strategically placed gal- vanic anodes, it is possible to protect the existing steel, address multiple exposure zones, and extend the use- ful life of the seawall — without the disruption associated with a complete replacement. For marine infrastructure owners, the goal is not to simply stop corro- sion today. It is to design a protection system that continues working long after the construction crew has left the site. For more information, Carla Neal can be reached at: carlan@Vector-Corrosion.com (or visit www.Vector-Corrosion.com)
A layered approach to corrosion protection The Cadet Point Marina project demonstrates that successful corrosion control is rarely about finding one uni- versal solution. Instead, effective pro- tection comes from understanding the environment and matching the system to each exposure zone. A comprehensive sheet pile protec- tion strategy may therefore include: • Coatings to provide the initial bar- rier against chlorides. • Cathodic Protection to protect exposed steel where coatings have been damaged or deteriorated. • Magnesium anodes for buried or soil side applications.
• Aluminum bulk anodes for sub- merged seawater exposure. • Embedded zinc anodes in FRP jacketing systems in tidal and splash zones. Together, these technologies create a layered defense against corrosion. Extending the life of existing infrastructure The lesson from Cadet Point Marina is particularly relevant as aging waterfront infrastructure continues to face increas- ingly demanding service conditions. When sheet piles begin to deteri- orate, replacement is not always the best — or even the most practical —option. Access limitations, permit- ting, environmental considerations
Building partnerships throughout the Pacific
Stronger together...
The APP brings together ports across the Pacific region, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, share best practices, and learn from peers facing similar operational, regulatory, and environmental issues. Whether you’re managing a major gateway port handling millions of TEUs or a smaller harbor serving island communities, the APP offers the opportunity to collaborate with your peers to accelerate problem-solving.
Visit www.pacificports.org to learn more about the benefits of membership.
Contact: Jane McIvor jane@pacificports.org | 1+604-893-8800
ASSOCIATION OF PACIFIC PORTS
34 — PACIFIC PORTS — October 2026
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