Floating Offshore Wind
As floating offshore wind technology advances, protecting offshore structures against corrosion is becoming increasingly important. With turbines moving into deeper waters and more demanding marine environments, the role of protective coatings, qualified inspectors and skilled coatings professionals has never been more significant.
Floating offshore wind is creating new opportunities for renewable energy generation, allowing developers to harness stronger and more consistent winds in deeper waters where traditional fixed-bottom turbines may not be practical.
However, these developments also introduce significant engineering and maintenance challenges, particularly when it comes to protecting structures against corrosion.
A recent article published by Protective Coatings Expert (PCE), Marine solutions benefit floating offshore wind, written by Chris Magel of PPG, explores how protective coating technologies developed for marine and offshore industries are helping to address the challenges associated with floating wind structures.
For the protective coatings industry, this development highlights something equally important: the growing need for specialist knowledge, effective inspection practices and a technically competent workforce.
A new generation of offshore corrosion challenges
Unlike traditional offshore wind turbines, which are secured to foundations on the seabed, floating offshore wind turbines are supported by buoyant platforms held in position by mooring systems.
These structures must withstand a combination of challenging environmental conditions, including:
- Continuous exposure to seawater and salt-laden atmospheres
- Wave movement, vibration and structural loading
- Aggressive corrosion conditions in splash and tidal zones
- Marine growth and biofouling
- Difficult access for inspection, repair and maintenance
Floating platforms may also spend considerable periods in ports or coastal waters during construction, assembly and transportation, exposing them to marine conditions before they become operational.
With offshore wind assets expected to remain in service for several decades, corrosion protection cannot simply be considered a maintenance activity. It must be integrated into the design, construction and operational strategy from the outset.
Why protective coatings matter
Protective coatings provide a vital barrier between steel structures and the surrounding environment, helping to prevent corrosion and preserve structural integrity.
For floating offshore wind installations, coating systems must be selected according to the specific conditions experienced by different areas of the structure.
For example, submerged components require coatings capable of resisting prolonged seawater immersion, while splash-zone areas must withstand repeated wetting, drying, mechanical impact and highly aggressive corrosion conditions.
Internal ballast tanks introduce further challenges. These compartments are essential for platform stability but can be difficult to access for inspection and maintenance.
As highlighted in the PCE article, coating technologies already established within the marine and offshore oil and gas sectors offer valuable experience that can be applied to floating wind developments.
High-performance epoxy systems, specialist linings and suitable marine protection technologies all have a potential role in improving durability and reducing long-term maintenance requirements.
However, even the most advanced coating system can fail prematurely if it is incorrectly specified, applied or inspected.
This is where technical knowledge and professional competence become essential.
The importance of surface preparation and coating application
One of the most critical factors affecting the performance of any protective coating system is the quality of surface preparation.
Before a coating is applied, the substrate must meet the specified requirements for cleanliness, surface profile and environmental conditions.
Contaminants such as soluble salts, moisture, oil and dust can adversely affect coating adhesion and contribute to premature deterioration.
In offshore environments, coating failures can be particularly expensive to rectify because of restricted access, weather conditions, logistical requirements and the specialist equipment needed to carry out repairs.
Effective corrosion prevention therefore depends on getting the fundamentals right during the initial application.
Coatings professionals need to understand the relationship between surface preparation, environmental monitoring, application techniques, coating thickness, curing and inspection.
These principles are fundamental to achieving the intended performance of a protective coating system, regardless of how advanced the coating technology may be.
Coating inspection: A critical part of asset integrity
As floating offshore wind projects become larger and more complex, coatings inspection will continue to play an important role in quality assurance and asset integrity management.
Coating inspectors help verify that protective systems are applied in accordance with project specifications, relevant standards and manufacturers’ requirements.
Their responsibilities can include monitoring surface preparation, measuring environmental conditions, checking wet and dry film thickness, identifying coating defects and ensuring that inspection records are accurately maintained.
Standards such as ISO 12944, which addresses corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems, provide an important technical foundation. Offshore projects may also draw on standards and specifications such as ISO 20340, now incorporated into ISO 12944-9, alongside other relevant marine and offshore requirements.
Understanding how these standards apply to different exposure conditions is essential when working on demanding offshore projects.
Inspection is not simply about identifying defects after application. It is about preventing failures through effective quality control throughout the coating process.
Sustainability starts with durability
Floating offshore wind is an important part of the transition towards lower-carbon energy generation. However, the sustainability of these projects also depends on the materials, maintenance activities and resources required throughout their operational lives.
A coating system that requires frequent repair or replacement may increase material consumption, waste generation, transportation requirements and associated emissions.
Conversely, durable coating systems that perform effectively over extended periods can help reduce maintenance interventions and support more efficient asset management.
The PCE article also discusses developments in lower-VOC coating technologies and the potential benefits of managing marine biofouling.
These innovations demonstrate how the protective coatings industry is responding to the environmental expectations of renewable energy projects.
Nevertheless, achieving sustainability objectives requires more than selecting a coating with improved environmental credentials.
Correct specification, application and inspection are equally important in ensuring that coatings achieve their intended service life.
Extending coating performance through good practice is an important contribution that the coatings workforce can make towards more sustainable infrastructure.
Developing the skills needed for offshore wind
The expansion of floating offshore wind creates opportunities for coatings applicators, inspectors, engineers, supervisors and asset integrity professionals.
Many of the technical principles established in shipbuilding, marine maintenance and offshore oil and gas are directly relevant to this developing sector.
However, applying that knowledge effectively requires an understanding of the particular operating conditions, structural arrangements and inspection challenges associated with floating offshore wind.
As coating technologies evolve, continuing professional development will be increasingly important.
Professionals working within the sector need to maintain their understanding of corrosion mechanisms, protective coating systems, surface preparation methods, application requirements, inspection techniques and relevant international standards.
Investing in technical education helps organisations develop the competence needed to support coating quality, reduce avoidable defects and maintain long-term asset performance.
How Corrodere Academy supports coating professionals
At Corrodere Academy, we recognise the importance of developing technical knowledge and professional competence across the protective coatings industry.
As sectors such as floating offshore wind continue to grow, the need for appropriately trained coatings professionals will become increasingly important.
Through specialist coatings education and training, Corrodere Academy supports individuals looking to develop their knowledge of corrosion protection, coating application and inspection principles.
Whether working in offshore wind, marine, oil and gas or other industrial environments, understanding the fundamentals of protective coatings is essential to maintaining quality and supporting asset integrity.
As the renewable energy industry continues to innovate, the protective coatings workforce must be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to meet new technical challenges.
Looking ahead
Floating offshore wind represents an exciting development in renewable energy, but its long-term success will depend on more than turbine technology and energy generation capacity.
The durability of supporting structures, the effectiveness of corrosion protection systems and the competence of those responsible for applying and inspecting coatings will all contribute to the reliability and economic performance of these assets.
The recent PCE article demonstrates how established marine coating technologies are helping the floating offshore wind industry address its evolving challenges.
It also reinforces a wider industry message: as offshore technology advances, investment in coatings knowledge, training and professional development must advance alongside it.
Protecting the renewable energy infrastructure of tomorrow begins with developing the skills and expertise required today.
This article was inspired by the technical discussion presented in:
Chris Magel, PPG – “Marine solutions benefit floating offshore wind”, Protective Coatings Expert, 19 October 2026.
Develop your protective coatings knowledge
Interested in expanding your knowledge of corrosion protection, protective coatings and inspection?
Explore the training opportunities available through Corrodere Academy and develop the technical understanding needed to support the future of the coatings industry.
