Blue Accelerator as a testing ground for European corrosion research

International partners are using Blue Accelerator as a maritime test platform within the European research project WILLOW

The project focuses on developing new technologies to improve corrosion monitoring in offshore wind turbines. The objectives are clear: reducing maintenance and inspection costs, extending the operational lifetime of wind farms, and enabling more sustainable energy production.

Electrochemical measurements led by Sirris

One of the key experiments involves deploying electrochemical sensors to detect pitting corrosion at an early stage. This highly aggressive form of corrosion attacks materials from within and is a critical factor in the fatigue life of offshore structures. The research, led by Sirris, is groundbreaking, as no commercial sensor currently exists that can measure this specific type of corrosion.

From sensors to drones

In addition, a wide range of tests are being carried out on Blue Accelerator. Commercial and newly developed sensors have been installed in the splash, tidal, and submerged zones of a foundation pile to monitor corrosion rates and coating degradation. Steel coupons have also been placed in different zones to compare exposure: initial results reveal severe pitting corrosion in the splash zone, accelerated corrosion in the tidal zone and outer submerged zone, and mainly uniform corrosion in the deeper submerged zone.

A buried steel pipe is being used to study corrosion behavior near the transition between the foundation pile and the seabed. A second setup with sensors will be installed in September. Finally, in June the project partners conducted thermographic drone flights around the monopile. The collected RGB and thermal images are now being used to train AI models capable of automatically detecting corrosion damage.

A unique testing ground on the Belgian coast

As operator of Blue Accelerator, we provide researchers and companies with an exceptional nearshore environment to develop and refine innovative measurement tools and inspection techniques under the most demanding conditions. In doing so, Blue Accelerator contributes to a more sustainable, efficient, and reliable future for offshore wind.