The Institute is delighted to announce that Brian Wyatt will be presented with the H.G. Cole Award at the 2025 ICorr Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will be held at the Henry Royce Institute in Manchester on Tuesday 4th November.
The H.G. Cole Award is the highest honour that ICorr can bestow on an individual for their contribution to the success of its activities. It is awarded on an infrequent basis for exceptional services to the development of the Institute.
Brian is a long-standing senior figure within ICorr, having served as a Council member for several decades prior to stepping down in 2024. He was President of the Institute from 1987 to 1989. Very few people have made a more significant contribution to the success and financial sustainability of the Institute over such an extended period of time.
Brian has made important and wide-ranging contributions to the Institute in many areas, but perhaps most significantly in the training and accreditation of cathodic protection (CP) personnel. He was the driving force behind ICorr’s CP Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme, which has been instrumental in upskilling and certifying CP technicians, engineers and specialists in compliance with international standards.
Brian showed great vision in advocating for the establishment of an in-house CP training offering, which has led to a step-change in revenue streams for the Institute. He has also been influential in establishing hands-on training facilities in support of course delivery, including for marine CP at Blyth and buried CP in Sheffield.
Brian’s long standing commitment to the Institute has been second to none. His passion, energy and vision have made a major contribution to supporting the objectives of the Institute and securing its financial sustainability. The H.G. Cole Award is fitting recognition of these efforts.
Presentation of the award will take place at the ICorr AGM, which will be jointly hosted by ICorr Northwest Branch and the Henry Royce Institute. The AGM will be preceded by a series of technical presentations from renowned corrosion professionals in the region. If you would like to attend, please register here as places are limited.
The H.G. Cole Award is named after Henry George Cole, who was Chief Materials Engineer at the UK Ministry of Defence and a former ICorr President. For more information on the award, including previous recipients, please click here.
The very first UK-China Corrosion Summit, jointly organised by the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr) and the Chinese Society for Corrosion and Protection (CSCP), was held in Manchester on 3–4 September 2025. The meeting gathered leading academics, practitioners, and industry representatives from both countries under the theme – ‘AI Impacts to Corrosion Management within UK-China Energy Industry’.
Opening and Awards
The summit opened with welcoming remarks from ICorr President Dr Yunnan Gao, CSCP President Professor Xiaogang Li and EFC (European Federation of Corrosion) President, Professor Gareth Hinds, who highlighted the importance of international collaboration in tackling corrosion challenges.
An award ceremony followed when the ICorr President Dr Yunnan Gao presented the following ICorr Institute certificates to the recipients:
FICorr Certificates were presented to newly elected Fellows, Professor Xuequn Cheng and Professor Dake Xu.
TICorr Certificate was presented to newly elected Technician Member, Mr Jianjun Hu.
ICorr Scholarship Certificate was presented to Miss Xinyu Zhang, a Chinese student at the University of Manchester studying for an MSc in Corrosion Control under the Institute scheme.
Photo: ICorr President Dr Yunnan Gao Chairing the Opening Ceremony of the 1st UK-China Corrosion Summit in Manchester on 3rd September 2025
Photo: The President of EFC, Professor Gareth Hinds, Left, Giving the Opening Remarks During the Opening Ceremony of the 1st UK-China Corrosion Summit
Photo: ICorr President Dr Yunnan Gao Presenting ICorr Certificate to the Recipient (Deputised by Mrs Jing Fang, ICorr Training Partner, China) during the Opening Ceremony
Photo: All Delegates of the 1st UK-China Corrosion Summit
Day One – Technical Presentations
Over the course of the first day, a dense programme featured keynote lectures and technical talks from both UK and Chinese experts tackled frontier topics at the intersection of corrosion science and digital technologies.
Keynotes
Prof. Xiaogang Li (China, University Science and Technology Beijing) introduced the concept of “corrosion big data,” demonstrating how multi-scale data mining links microalloying, microstructure, environment, and corrosion rate to design new low-alloy steels with improved resistance.
Andrew Duncan & Dan Lester (UK, Intertek CAPCIS) debated whether AI is a “benefit or threat.” Duncan warned against over-reliance on algorithms in early-career training, while Lester argued that AI can reduce errors and improve decision-making when used with oversight.
Technical Presentations
Prof. Dake Xu (China, Northeastern University) explained how extracellular electron transfer drives microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). He described biofilm processes at the genetic and interfacial level, and how this understanding can inform MIC-resistant materials and sensors.
Dr Henry Tan (UK, Aberdeen University) presented an AI-enabled framework combining Bayesian decision models with digital twins for subsea pipelines, offering real-time risk-informed maintenance planning.
Dr Wei Rong (China, China National Petroleum Corporation) described novel inhibitors for acidizing operations on non-magnetic steels. Her formulation using quinoline ammonium salt with thiocyanate showed strong performance in high-temperature HCl-HF solutions.
Dr Vincenzo Bongiorno (UK, University of Manchester) demonstrated machine learning for electrochemical impedance and noise data, automating model selection and surface damage classification for coatings and corroding systems.
Dr Yu-You Wu (China, Ningo Zhonghe) highlighted AI-powered inspections of offshore wind turbines, stressing the gap between promising academic results and limited industrial adoption, and calling for UK-China collaboration in this fast-growing sector.
Dr Prafull Sharma (UK, CorrosionRADAR) showed how predictive maintenance for corrosion under insulation can combine remote sensor data with AI analytics to forecast failure likelihood and optimise inspection schedules.
Prof. Lingwei Ma (China, University Science and Technology Beijing) presented a two-stage machine learning approach linking environmental factors, physical properties, and coating performance. The method improved prediction accuracy for degradation across diverse climates.
Dr Yifeng Zhang (UK, Imperial College London) outlined a hybrid inspection framework using reconfigurable sensors and robotics. His model improves detection reliability while reducing inspection frequency and cost.
Mr Xinpeng Lu (China,Shenzhen Coais Technology) described how AI agent technology can support corrosion integrity management. His system employs multi-agent data collection and reinforcement learning to enhance anomaly detection and optimise maintenance.
Dr Kevin McDonald (UK, Sonomatic) shared early applications of machine learning on ultrasonic inspection signals. His case studies showed potential efficiency gains in data classification and highlighted barriers such as dataset balance and industry acceptance.
The day concluded with an open forum, where speakers and delegates from both sides reflected on key themes. Discussions focused on the importance of high-quality data, the challenges of model transparency and interpretability, and the need for international collaboration to harmonise standards for AI-driven corrosion tools.
Photo: Andrew Duncan of Intertek CAPCIS Giving the UK Keynote Speech on Is Artificial Intelligence A Benefit or A Threat to Materials and Corrosion Engineering?
Photo: Session Chair, Professor Bowei Zhang of CSCP, Left, Presenting the Certificate of Appreciation to the Presenter of the Technical Presentation (Dr Henry Tan)
Photo: L-R, CSCP General Secretary Professor Xuequn Cheng, ICorr President Dr Yunnan Gao and EFC President Professor Gareth Hinds at the Closing Ceremony of the Day One Conference of the 1st UK-China Corrosion Summit
Day Two – Visits and Engagement
The second day of the summit, 4th September 2025, was dedicated to institutional and industrial visits for the Chinese delegation with ICorr Training Partners.
In the morning, at the University of Manchester, delegates toured laboratories in corrosion and materials science, including imaging and advanced characterisation facilities. The visit highlighted the university’s ongoing work in combining experimental and digital approaches.
Photo: One of the Four Groups of the China Delegation Visiting the Materials Laboratories of the University of Manchester on 4th September 2025
In the afternoon of 4th September 2025, the delegation travelled to Sheffield to visit Argyll Ruane, where they were given demonstrations in coating science, coating inspection, and non-destructive testing training – areas where ICorr certification and industry practice intersect closely.
Photo: China Delegation Visiting the Premises of Argyll Ruane (ICorr Training Partner, UK) in Sheffield
Conclusion
The inaugural UK-China Corrosion Summit successfully combined technical exchange with academic, industrial, and training engagement. By bringing together researchers, students, and industry practitioners from both countries, the event created a platform for knowledge sharing and laid the groundwork for continued collaboration between the corrosion communities of the UK and China.
Appreciation and Future Plan
ICorr extends its sincere thanks to the summit’s UK sponsors: exclusive Platinum Sponsor Argyll Ruane, Silver Sponsor – ICR Integrity, and Bronze Sponsors – Beasy, Corrodere, and Corrpro Europe, whose support made this whole event possible.
We now look forward to the 2nd China-UK Corrosion Summit, to be hosted in China in 2026, continuing the spirit of collaboration and knowledge exchange established so well in Manchester.
On 26th August 2025 the Aberdeen Branch again successfully held its annual corrosion awareness event at the Palm Court Hotel with key sponsor Automa.
The Aberdeen branch has been active for more than 40yrs now and has been providing awareness training since before 2010 through generous industry support and a dedicated committee.
This year’s Forum was kindly sponsored by Automa of Italy, specialists in automated monitoring and themed on Cathodic Protection (CP).
Automa provided the Venue and all Catering for the day.
Introductory talks on the principles and costs of corrosion were followed by a series of talks explaining Cathodic protection principles, methods and anode manufacture. Thereafter some excellent case studies presented some recent Cathodic protection applications in order to raise awareness of some of the practical considerations such as electrical isolation from plant, electrical interference and fault-finding methods for CP system commissioning.
The afternoon sessions continued with several presentations by the sponsor Automa on advanced CP system monitoring and AI assisted data management and analysis. Automa then provided some excellent demonstrations of their devices and their software both widely used within Europe.
This popular Annual event attracted 43 registrants including many from its 16 local sponsor companies and also from our ICorr national sustaining companies.
Proceedings will be posted to the Aberdeen branch web page in due course at https://www.icorr.org/aberdeen/ ‘Local Technical Programme’
The Aberdeen ICorr Committee expresses its immense gratitude to all Attendees, Speakers, Sponsors and particularly to its Event Chairs – Eilidh MacDonald/Stephanie Okoye and to Fatemeh Faraji, the ABZ Events Coordinator.
On September 30th, 2025, the branch will host its first Event of the 2025-26 Technical Programme. This will be a Joint Event with the TWI North Scottish Branch and entitled ‘From Snapshots to Continuous Insight: Driving Maintenance Efficiency and Safety with Automated UT Monitoring by William Vickers of Ionix Advanced Technologies / Leeds, U.K.
Attendees will gain practical insight into how automated, non-invasive UT monitoring is being applied in the field today to enhance safety, optimise inspection programmes, and improve long-term asset performance.
Aberdeen welcomes your attendance at future events of the branch. Please contact icorrabz@gmail.com if you have any queries at all, or if you wish to join its committee.
Aberdeen ACF 2025 – President Dr Yunnan Gao giving Event Introductions
Aberdeen ACF 2025 – President Dr Yunnan Gao giving Event Introductions
Aberdeen ACF 2025 – Guest Speaker Ivano Magnifico of Automa presenting on Advanced Automated Monitoring
Aberdeen ACF 2025 – Guest Speaker Zaynah Khalil of Balfour Beatty presenting on the Edinburgh North Bridge CP project
Article by Stephen Tate, Immediate Past President of ICorr
Introduction
It is not very often that such a well-documented corrosion repair project becomes available, but this key infrastructure link has made national news due to the extent of repairs required and, of course, its huge cost!
On this same theme – ‘Reuse, Renew, or Replace?’ – Corrosion Management recently published several infrastructure-related articles presented to the Parliamentary and Science Committee, refer to https://www.icorr.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CORROSION_MANAGEMENT_Issue183_48-pgs_LowRes.pdf
Photo 1:The North Bridge in Edinburgh c. 1905.
.Background
It is one of Edinburgh’s most historically significant structures, a key transport link connecting the Old and New Towns and a vantage point to take in views of the capital’s iconic skyline – but for more than seven years now the North Bridge has been something of an eyesore, surrounded in scaffolding.
The North Bridge was originally constructed by Sir William Arrol between 1894 and 1897 after he completed both the Forth Bridge and Tower Bridge in London.
Since 2018 bridge has been concealed by over 300km of scaffolding tubes and partially closed to traffic and pedestrians after the Victorian structure was found to require significant corrosion-related repairs to ensure its continued use for future generations.
A repair project was initiated as a response to cast iron, spalled concrete and masonry falling onto the railway lines and the street below.
Map: Location of North Bridge by Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station.
Structural Investigations
The bridge has three spans, each approximately 53 metres, with each span comprising six steel main arch girders with a reinforced concrete deck, masonry piers and abutments, and a decorative cast iron façade.
Photo 2: After Removal of Cast Iron Non-Structural Fascia.
Main contractor Balfour Beatty worked with Atkins Realis, who created a dynamic 3D model of the structure to assist all work scopes.
It became clear as the work progressed that more repairs and work were required. The paint on the bridge designed and constructed by Sir William Arrol, who created Forth Bridge and Tower Bridge, has been grit blasted and repainted – a job which has not been done since 1933, except for repainting of the decorative facings in the early 1990s.
Photo 3: Steel Under-Structure with Areas of Localised Corrosion Requiring Repair.
Investigations identified lots of Bimetallic Corrosion, Corrosion Traps between components, Water ingress and general Inadequate corrosion protection.
The huge complexity of bringing a Victorian structure up to 21st Century standards, without compromising its historic integrity, has proven challenging, technically and logistically.
Photo 4: Examples of Steelwork Repairs.
Costs
The work was supposed to take around two years and cost an estimated £22m, but as engineers took a closer look, often at sections not properly inspected in over 100 years, it became clear the job would be even more of a mammoth task than was first envisaged.
It is now expected to be finally completed in 2026 – six years behind schedule – and with an expected cost of £86m, nearly four times the initial estimate, but now magnificently restored!
Photo 5: Localised Reinforced Concrete Inspection/Repairs Including CP Installation and Structural Health Monitoring System – Reinforced Concrete Supports.
Photo 6: Cathodic Protection Junction Box and Site Connections.
Repairs Completed
There are 6,300 steel sections under the bridge, many of which were corroded, but now behind the extensive scaffolding have been repaired or replaced, approximately 2,000 components in total at a cost of £10m, due to complex logistics.
The wide scope of work has included:
•Contained wet blast/removal of existing coating – bituminous asbestos paint with arsenic, chromium and lead contaminants by licensed contractor. Asbestos was added to enhance durability, heat resistance, and fire resistance. The risks associated with asbestos exposure/removal are well-documented.
•Profile grit blasting and repainting of all structural steelwork, last renovated in 1933, 150 sqm to ST3 standard with 7-stage coating.
•Repairing and refurbishing structural steelwork and cast-iron springer bearings.
•Refurbishing historic cast iron bridge façades, including the redesign of façade fixings, allowing for sectional movement and easier future repairs.
• Grit blasting, repair, sealing and repainting of parapets.
•Repairing the bridge’s concrete deck and installing cathodic protection and structural health monitoring systems.
o 6,500 Galvashield XP2 Anodes – subcontractor (Freyssinet)
o 40,778 Continuity Wires and Checks
• Repair and improve pavements and drainage.
• New waterproof membrane on bridge deck.
• New lighting and road surface.
•Remove all redundant utility pipes and ducts and rationalise those services that remain.
•Repair and repoint masonry in areas most susceptible to deterioration.
•Restore and repair the King’s Own Scottish Borderers War Memorial.
•Installing permanent platforms to improve access for future inspection and minor maintenance.
Photo 7: Process of Façade Reassembly.
Photo 7: Process of Façade Reassembly.
Photo 8: Reinstated North Bridge Façade and Final Touches.
Very complex scaffolding was required. Traditional scaffolding that relies on ground support could not be used and due to the interface with Edinburgh’s key railway station (Waverley) and the low capacity of the roof, scaffolding had to be suspended from the bridge itself. This required multiple stages of design and checks.
Photo 9: Steel Under-Structure After Repair / Recoating.
Reopening Plans
Major work is expected to be completed by spring 2026 with full completion in summer 2026.
Summary
This was a reactive project due to ongoing safety concerns and dropped objects from the decaying bridge that was mostly inaccessible for regular inspection, despite being directly above a busy main railway station.
A range of corrosion mechanisms was identified and eliminated by different corrosion prevention techniques.
A key part of the renovation was providing permanent access for future inspection by bridge engineers.
The need for removal of original toxic coatings complicated the repair and recoating processes.
Novel solutions, including widespread use of galvanic anodes, were incorporated into the refurbishment of reinforced concrete components.
An advanced Structural Health Monitoring System has been now been installed.
A critical piece of infrastructure has now been rescued for future generations to enjoy.
12.Thesis Jan.2024 – A Critical Review of Cathodic Protection as a Repair Strategy for the Edinburgh North Bridge Refurbishment by Zaynah Khalil, MEng Student at University of Glasgow and Graduate Civil Engineer at Balfour Beatty.
This complex project will be further presented at the forthcoming Aberdeen Branch 2025 Corrosion Awareness Day: An Introduction to Corrosion and Cathodic Protection at the Palm Court Hotel, Aberdeen on 26th August 2025.
On 4th June 2025, TÜV Rheinland, Shanghai, successfully hosted multiple sessions of ICorr PCI (Protective Coating Inspector) Level 2 and Level 3 training courses, providing Chinese professionals with advanced knowledge in coating and corrosion protection.
These internationally recognised certification programs equipped participants with critical skills to excel in industries such as oil & gas, marine and infrastructure.
The intensive training covered key topics including coating inspection standards, failure analysis, and quality control, enabling attendees to enhance their technical expertise and career prospects.
Two participants, who were voted as outstanding candidates in 2025 H1, shared their experiences.
•“The trainer combined theory with real-world case studies, making complex concepts easy to understand. Earning this Level 3 certification has significantly boosted my credibility in the industry. Beyond the course content, TÜV Rheinland’s training organisation was impeccable—from venue facility to accommodation arrangement. Their team provided seamless support throughout the program” — Qianwei Zhu, Technical Service Supervisor, Jotun, China.
•“L2 course gave me a solid foundation. The hands-on practice and detailed feedback from instructors were invaluable. I now feel confident to take on more responsibilities at work.” — Lu Taijin, Quality Assurance Department Manager, Guangxi Jingdian Steel Structure Co., Ltd.
Contact
TÜV Rheinland, Shanghai offers a wide range of ICorr approved training courses and maybe contacted at:
The Institute of Corrosion (ICorr) is steadily advancing preparations to establish its China Branch, with several crucial administrative and engagement steps now complete.
Key milestones achieved include engagement with regulatory authorities, completion of the Hague Apostille and document notarisation, and submission of the Application to Establish a Foreign NGO Representative Office to the official bureau.
As part of its outreach and networking efforts, ICorr hosted a one-day In-Person Exchange and Collaboration Meeting on 11th July 2025 in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. The event brought together dozens of academics and industry experts to share the latest developments in corrosion research and to explore practical strategies for how the ICorr China Branch can best serve and support the corrosion community in China.
Exchange and Collaboration Meeting of ICorr China Branch Held on 11th July in Ningbo, China
ICorr President Dr. Yunnan Gao attended the event in person, delivering a keynote presentation introducing ICorr and outlining his vision and expectations for the China Branch. Discussions covered not only the organisational framework for the new branch but also opportunities to foster international collaboration, promote best practices, and support innovation in corrosion prevention and control.
Under the lead initiator, Dr Yuyou Wu, FICorr, individuals from both corrosion academia and industry have been identified from across China and inducted to develop the first ICorr China Branch Committee, ensuring broad regional representation. The new branch to be headquartered in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province aims to strengthen collaboration and support the corrosion community across China.
ICorr President, Dr Yunnan Gao and the ICorr UK China Branch Initiator, Dr Yuyou Wu, FICorr, in front of the Preparatory Office of ICorr China Branch, Located in Ningbo, Zhejiang.
ICorr President Dr Yunnan Gao and Some Onboard ICorr Branch Committee Members
The establishment of the ICorr China Branch represents a significant step forward in connecting the global corrosion community with China’s vibrant network of researchers, engineers, and industry professionals, paving the way for greater knowledge exchange and collaborative progress. Legal processes are still underway, but it is hoped to hold a local branch Annual General Meeting in the near future.
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