On the 2nd December 2025, the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr) was proud to serve as a sponsor of the prestigious 72nd Hatfield Memorial Lecture, hosted at the University of Sheffield. ICorr’s President, Dr Yunnan Gao, attended the event on behalf of the Institute, demonstrating ICorr’s ongoing commitment to supporting academic excellence and advancing corrosion and materials science across the UK.
A Distinguished Lecture Delivered by ICorr Fellow Professor Mary Ryan
This year’s lecture was delivered by Professor Mary Ryan, CBE, FREng, FICorr, a Fellow of ICorr and Vice Provost (Research and Enterprise) at Imperial College London, https://www.imperial. ac.uk/about/leadership-and-strategy/provost/vice-provost-research/ who is renowned globally for her work in corrosion, surface engineering, and nanomaterials. Professor Ryan offered an insightful and forward-looking presentation entitled “Life and Death at the Nanoscale” that captured the attention of industry experts, academics, and students alike. Her lecture continued the long-standing tradition of the Hatfield Memorial Lecture series, which honours metallurgist Professor William Hatfield and has become a cornerstone event for the UK materials and corrosion community.
Presentation of the Hatfield Award During the event, Professor Mary Ryan was formally recognised for her significant academic and professional achievements. She received a commemorative award presented by Professor Joan Cordiner, Head of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CMBE) at the University of Sheffield, marking a highlight of the evening.
ICorr’s Role and Presence at the Event As one of the official sponsors, ICorr’s support was prominently acknowledged throughout the night, including on the main auditorium screen and event materials. The presence of the ICorr President reinforced the Institute’s mission to promote collaboration, scientific excellence, and knowledge exchange across the corrosion and materials community.ICorr’s involvement with the Hatfield Memorial Lecture reflects its dedication to fostering innovation and supporting both established and emerging experts in the field.
Photo: Professor Mary Ryan (Right) Receiving Her Award from the Head of CMBE of Sheffield University.
Photo: ICorr Highlighted as One of the Event’s Sponsors on the Main Screen.
Photo: Overview of Venue of the 72nd Hatfield Memorial Lecture.
The Institute of Corrosion (ICorr) proudly reinforced its international leadership and strategic influence as an Official Supporting’s Partner at the 5th Middle East Metallurgy, Corrosion and Coatings Conference and Expo (MECOC EXPO), held from 26-29 January 2026 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Formalised through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ICorr’s role as a Supporting Partner highlighted the Institute’s long-standing commitment to advancing corrosion science, asset integrity, and professional excellence across the Middle East and global corrosion community. MECOC EXPO has rapidly established itself as a premier regional platform, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, technology providers, and decision-makers to address critical challenges in corrosion, metallurgy, and protective coatings.
High-Level Representation and Engagement
Upon invitation from the organisers, ICorr President, Dr Yunnan Gao, attended the full conference and expo programme, including the Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony, and multiple technical sessions, engaging extensively with international stakeholders, speakers, and industry leaders. His presence underscored ICorr’s strategic intent to deepen collaboration and knowledge exchange within the region.
ICorr’s delegation represented a strong cross-section of its international membership and leadership, including:
Dr Muhammad Ejaz – ICorr UAE Branch Chair (Former ICorr Aberdeen Branch Chair)
Amir Attarchi – ICorr UAE Branch Committee Member (Former ICorr Aberdeen Branch Long-Time Committee Member)
Dr Prafull Sharma – ICorr Midlands Branch Chair
Together, the delegation actively participated in technical discussions, networking sessions, and strategic exchanges with regional operators, asset owners, regulators, and technology providers.
Recognition of ICorr’s Contribution
In recognition of its leadership and support, ICorr was formally presented with the Supporting Partner Award by the Conference Executive Chairman, Juma Al Maskari. This award reflects ICorr’s growing global impact, its technical authority, and its commitment to supporting high-quality professional forums that advance corrosion management and integrity assurance worldwide.
Executive Summary – ICorr Exhibition and Outreach
As part of its Supporting Partner role, ICorr was offered a dedicated exhibitor stand, serving as a focal point for engagement throughout the conference. The ICorr delegation showcased the Institute’s professional offerings, including membership pathways, training and certification programmes, technical guidance, and global collaboration opportunities.
The exhibition stand attracted strong interest from regional organisations, operators, consultants, and academic institutions, enabling productive discussions on capacity building, professional development, and long-term collaboration across the Middle East and beyond. This engagement further strengthened ICorr’s visibility and influence within one of the world’s most strategically important corrosion and energy markets.
Thought Leadership in Digital Corrosion Management
A major highlight of ICorr’s technical contribution was the panel discussion hosted by Prafull Sharma, titled: “Digital Frontiers in Corrosion Prevention: Smart Monitoring, Predictive Analytics & AI Integration.”
The session generated lively and in-depth debate, reflecting strong industry interest in digital transformation, data-driven integrity management, and artificial intelligence applications in corrosion prevention. The discussion was very well received, reinforcing ICorr’s role at the forefront of emerging technologies shaping the future of corrosion engineering.
Celebrating Excellence and Professional Achievement
The conference concluded with outstanding recognition for ICorr members and affiliates:
Dr Muhammad Ejaz, ICorr UAE Branch Chair, was awarded both
Corrosion Specialist of the Year, and
Steel Integrity Strategy Excellence Award, recognising his exceptional professional contributions and leadership.
Corrosion Radar, employer of ICorr Midlands Branch Chair Prafull Sharma, received the Corrosion Inspection Technology Award, highlighting innovation and excellence in advanced corrosion monitoring solutions.
These accolades reflect not only individual achievement, but also the depth of expertise, professionalism, and global impact of the ICorr community.
Value, Impact, and Lasting Contribution
ICorr’s participation at MECOC EXPO 2026 delivered significant value through:
Strengthening ICorr’s global visibility and strategic partnerships
Promoting professional excellence, innovation, and digital transformation in corrosion management
Showcasing ICorr’s leadership, expertise, and commitment to the Middle East region
Celebrating and recognising outstanding achievements of ICorr members and affiliates
Through its active engagement, technical leadership, and recognised contribution, ICorr continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of corrosion science, asset integrity, and sustainable infrastructure worldwide.
Photo 1: Conference Board Displaying ICorr as An Official Supporting Partner.
Photo 2: ICorr President Dr Yunnan Gao (Right 2) at the MECOC EXPO Opening Ceremony.
Photo 3: ICorr President Dr Yunann Gao (Left) and ICorr UAE Branch Chair Dr Muhammad Ejaz (Right), Receiving the Supporting Partner Award from Conference Executive Chairman Juma Al Maskari.
Photo 4: MECOC EXPO 2026 Supporting Partner Award Presented to ICorr.
Photo 5: ICorr Delegation at MECOC EXPO 2026. L-R: Hooman Takhtechian, Dr Prafull Sharma, Dr Yunnan Gao and Dr Muhammad Ejaz.
Photo 6: ICorr Delegation at the ICorr Exhibition MECOC EXPO 2026. L-R: Amir Attarchi, Dr Yunnan Gao and Dr Muhammad Ejaz.
Photo 7: Delegates at the Closing Ceremony of MECOC EXPO 2026.
Professor Arjan Mol is a global leader in corrosion science and engineering, recognised for his pioneering corrosion research and measurement technique development and leadership. After his doctorate at Delft University of Technology in 2000 for his seminal work on filiform corrosion of coated aluminium alloys, he advanced industrial innovation as Project and Team Leader for Lifetime Performance of Lightweight Structures at TNO Built Environment. Returning to Delft in 2006 and becoming Professor in Materials Science and Engineering, where his research has transformed understanding of local corrosion mechanisms, metal surface treatments, polymer-metal interfacial bonding, and active protective coatings across sectors from aerospace and offshore to automotive and microelectronics. Professor Mol’s groundbreaking contributions include pioneering in situ TEM corrosion studies, integrated FTIR-EIS analyses in Kretschmann geometry, and eco-friendly alternatives to hexavalent chromium-based technologies. His work on active protective and self-healing coatings, coupled with high-throughput inhibitor screening, has paved the way for machine-learning-driven corrosion protection strategies. Combining deep scientific insight with industrial relevance, he has delivered numerous keynote and plenary lectures worldwide, inspiring generations of researchers.
On behalf of the Institute of Corrosion, we extend our warmest congratulations to Professor Mol on this well-deserved recognition. The U. R. Evans Award honours outstanding and sustained contributions to corrosion science, and Professor Mol’s exceptional achievements exemplify the spirit and legacy of this award. ICorr looks forward to celebrating his accomplishments with the corrosion community during the 2026 award presentation and associated events.
What did you aspire to be when you were younger? When I was growing up, I always wanted to run my own business. I actually achieved this pretty early, at 19 I started a mobile wholesale confectionery business inspired by my father, who was a master confectioner. Working alongside him taught me a lot about dedication and craftsmanship. After a couple of years, I sold my business to focus on a career offshore in the corrosion industry.
How did you end up as a corrosion specialist? I started out as a scaffold labourer and then became a painter blaster with Salamis. During my training as a painter blaster, I had the opportunity to work in the Salamis skills centre, which opened doors to roles in training, technical support and project support. My expertise in painting, coating, blasting and integrity risk management naturally led me to specialise in corrosion and coatings control and ultimately the Technical Authority for Bilfinger UK. I’ve backed this up with advanced qualifications, including NACE Level 2 and ICorr Level 3 certifications.
What was your first job like? My early professional career was very hands-on. As a painter blaster, I was responsible for preparing and coating surfaces, always making sure to deliver quality work to client specifications. This role gave me a strong foundation in safety, teamwork and technical excellence and I was recognised as a Qualified Painter Blaster on major offshore platforms. Achieving SQAs OPITO, ICATS and Train the painter qualifications.
How did your career progress after that? After gaining practical experience, I moved into training roles, developing lesson plans and delivering technical courses for painting, blasting and safety. I was promoted from trainee to senior trainer and then advanced to Project Engineer and Technical Authority at Bilfinger. In my current role, I lead QA/QC functions, manage projects and mentor technical teams. I’ve also contributed to digital innovation with the rollout of the Bilfinger UK Coatings App and development of other digital solutions also serve as a technical authority for coatings.
What have you enjoyed most about your career? I’ve enjoyed the variety of projects I’ve been exposed to from new builds and large barge campaigns to decommissioning, installing sea ladders and working in the alternative energy markets. Each project has brought new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow.
What career advice would you give to a young specialist in your field? Based on my experience, I’d advise new specialists to get as much hands-on experience as possible, embrace continuous learning and get involved in professional organisations like ICorr. Building strong relationships with colleagues, suppliers and clients is key to success in this industry.
What’s in store for professionals in your area of expertise? With the ongoing need for corrosion control and asset integrity, I believe the future is bright for specialists in this field. The industry’s shift towards digital solutions and best practice implementation means there are always opportunities for innovation and leadership.
What have you gained from your membership of professional organisations? As Chair of the Surface Treatment Governing Board for ICorr UK and Financial Officer for the Aberdeen Branch, I’ve benefited greatly from networking, knowledge sharing, and opportunities to influence industry standards and training.
What’s your favourite food? My favourite cuisine has to be a full Scottish breakfast with French toast. There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a hearty breakfast – especially when French toast is involved! It’s a real treat and brings back memories of family weekends.
What do you like doing most outside of your professional life? These days, I spend most of my free time with my wife Diane and our children – Leila, Emilia and Isla. Family time is really important to me. In the past, I used to have a large reef aquarium, which I dedicated a lot of time to maintaining. Looking back, I think that’s where my interest in chemistry may have started!
Tell us a secret about yourself, something that might surprise fellow members (and is suitable for print!) A few things might surprise people: I once did a skydive from 13,000 feet in Houston Texas which was an incredible experience. Also as mentioned earlier, I started my own business at 19 a mobile wholesale confectionery business which not everyone knows about. Both experiences taught me a lot about taking risks and following my passions.
AkzoNobel has extended its Chinese marine coatings partnership to accelerate transition to sustainable shipping.
A strategic agreement has been signed between AkzoNobel’s Marine Coatings business and Winning Shipping in China which will help accelerate the maritime industry’s transition to lower carbon operations.
The two companies have been partners since 2016 and the expanded collaboration will involve AkzoNobel supplying a significant volume of International® coatings for a number of drydocking projects in 2026. Focused on six vessels, it will enhance the fleet’s operational efficiency and environmental performance. At the core of the latest agreement is Intersleek® 1100SR product – the world’s first biocide-free fouling control coating to feature patented “slime release” technology. It delivers outstanding fouling control and significantly reduces hull resistance, helping fleets to save fuel and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
“The outstanding performance of International has been fully validated in our existing fleet, delivering significant fuel savings and enhancing our market competitiveness,” says Yu Shan, General Manager of Qingdao Winning International Ship Management Co., Ltd. This is why we’ve chosen to extend and deepen our partnership. Through this drydocking cooperation, we look forward to more vessels benefiting from these more sustainable advanced technologies, jointly contributing to a greener future for the industry.”
Photo: The Winning Youth bulk carrier is coated with products supplied by AkzoNobel
Following the International Maritime Organization’s introduction of emission reduction regulations, shipping companies are addressing their carbon footprint and actively adopting measures to optimize energy efficiency. China is also speeding up the implementation of its “Dual Carbon” strategy in the maritime sector, promoting the widespread adoption of more sustainable technologies. “We’re honoured to continue and deepen our strategic cooperation,” said Rob Leslie, Commercial Director of AkzoNobel Marine and Protective Coatings in Greater China. “Winning Shipping’s unwavering pursuit of more efficient operations aligns perfectly with our philosophy of helping customers through sustainable innovation. We look forward to providing solid support for the long-term operational efficiency and sustainable development goals of its fleet.”
In addition to Intersleek 1100SR, International will also supply the project with its Intercept® 8500 LPP antifouling coating, which combines linear polishing with an optimized biocide package. This is the highest performing antifouling product within the International range, specifically designed for deep sea vessels.
This agreement was signed during the recent Marintec China 2025 event, one of the world’s leading maritime industry exhibitions.
Hempel A/S has launched the latest addition to the Hempaline Defend family; Hempaline Defend 430, a next-generation tank lining created to help energy operators boost efficiency, minimise downtime and extend maintenance intervals. The solvent-free, epoxy phenolic lining streamlines application, lowers energy use during installation and supports more sustainable operations by reducing VOC emissions and workplace hazards. By combining single-coat efficiency with rapid curing and long-term durability, Hempaline Defend 430 enables asset owners to keep tanks in service longer while lowering lifecycle costs.
Hempaline Defend is a range of high-performance lining solutions engineered for the demanding conditions of the energy and process industries. Designed to withstand corrosion, high temperatures, abrasion and exposure to a wide spectrum of chemicals and solvents, these linings provide reliable long-term protection. By reducing maintenance needs and extending service life, Hempaline Defend helps operators maximise uptime and lower total lifecycle costs. “After a trial application with a major tank builder, customer feedback was that the shorter inspection time, compared to their existing lining, would significantly improve output in their workshop,” Matthew Fletcher, Segment Development Manager, Linings at Hempel A/S commented that: “With Hempaline Defend 430, asset owners benefit from a solvent-free lining that can be applied in a single coat, returned to service quickly and approved even for the most sensitive cargos and with a temperature resistance up to 90°C and strong hydrocarbon resistance, Defend 430 truly offers a versatile one-product solution for storage tanks.”
Key technical highlights: • Solvent-free epoxy phenolic lining for energy storage tanks • Single-coat application at 400 µm (16 mil’s) • Rapid return to service: 3 days at 20°C • Withstands crude oil up to 93°C (200°F) • Approved for potable water (WRAS) and jet fuel (EI1541) • Inspection interval extension up to 5 years (API 652 & 653 compliant with optional glass fibre mat reinforcement) • Compatible with Hempaline Prepare 130 primer for immersion up to 90°C
You can learn more about Hempaline Defend right here.
Oceaneering
Oceaneering Wins ASQE Diamond Award for Quality Excellence
Photo: The ASQE Diamond Award
Houston, Texas – Oceaneering International, Inc. has been honoured with the American Society for Quality and Excellence (ASQE) Diamond Award, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the quality industry. Oceaneering was one of only two companies selected for this award in 2025, reflecting a commitment to performance excellence and innovation.
The Diamond Award is presented to organizations that achieve the highest maturity scores in the annual Insights on Excellence® (IoE) Benchmarking Tool survey. This recognition signifies exceptional standards of quality and continuous improvement, recognizing organizations that integrate best practices into every aspect of their operations.
Oceaneering’s 2025 results demonstrate a progressive Quality culture, as defined in the IoE maturity model, and predictable and consistent delivery of services and products that meet or exceed customer expectations. Winners were recognized during the Excellence Roundtable event in November, coinciding with World Quality Month.
Julie Sitzmann, Director, Quality Solutions, at Oceaneering, said: “Oceaneering is committed to performance excellence, and this recognition reflects that our quality management system and culture are delivering as intended. We are proud to be one of only two companies honoured with the Diamond Award, which highlights our commitment to quality and consistent execution across the organization.”
Learn more about Oceaneering’s approach to Quality.
TÜV Rheinland, (Technischer Überwachungsverein) are a very well-established ICorr/ARL (Argyll Ruane Ltd) Training partner.
They have issued 133x ICorr Training Certifications and 68x ICorr Training Re-Certifications in 2025 alone, from their Shanghai Training Centre.
Jing Anita Fang is the Key Account Manager for TUV Rheinland in China.
Photo: TUV HQ, Shanghai
About TÜV Rheinland
TÜV Rheinland, founded in 1872, is a global leader in technical services, providing safe and sustainable solutions for the interaction between humans, the environment, and technology. Since 1996, they have offered training and personnel certification in China, being Europe’s largest independent education institute. TÜV Rheinland Industrial Services Greater China, comprising world-leading experts, delivers technical inspection, testing, and certification for the oil, gas, chemical, petrochemical, energy, power, construction, and process industries worldwide. Their comprehensive services ensure products and equipment meet market requirements, supporting local industries in developing safely and sustainably.
History with ICorr
In collaboration with Argyll Ruane, TÜV Rheinland has successfully introduced ICorr training to China, becoming the sole ICorr training provider in the country in 2018. On-site training is conducted in coastal cities such as Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Zhuhai, Qidong, and Zhoushan, where numerous international offshore FSPO and LNG projects are active. During 2024, ICorr, TÜV Rheinland (China) Ltd., and Argyll Ruane (Sheffield, UK) celebrated 7 years’ collaboration, and achieved the 1000th ICorr Certificate issue in China. In the same year, Protective Coating Inspector Training Level II and Level III have been delivered by TÜV Rheinland, where all ICorr surface treatment courses are available for the candidates in China now.
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