MPS interview: Advanced anode technology promises less pollution

Traditionally anodes, which are crucial for protecting boats from corrosion, have seen little innovation. However, Marine Protection Systems (MPS), a New Zealand-based foundry specialising in supplying and manufacturing high-quality zinc and aluminium anodes, is bucking this trend.

In this interview, Brian Gatt, MPS’ technical director, highlights the firm’s significant innovations in anode technology, which can help mitigate the damaging environmental impacts of zinc anodes.

The company’s developed a new type of anode specifically for timber and fibreglass boats. The firm says these anodes are more efficient and environmentally friendly, reducing material loss into the water by about 20 per cent, plus they’ll outlast a traditional zinc anode.

“Anodes have been used on boats for years and years and years. Typically, not much innovation has gone into anodes,” says Gatt. “However, in Australia, we have designed an anode specifically for timber and fibreglass boats, which will work more efficiently, not overprotect, give you enough protection, but it also heavily reduce the marine growth on all your running gear.”

Traditional galvanic or ‘sacrificial’ zinc anodes protect buried or submerged metal structures. Over time, they dissolve and release harmful material. In recent years, campaigners have urged boaters and major boat manufacturers to replace zinc anodes with aluminium as standard to reduce environmental damage.

“When a [traditional] anode works, it dissolves. For example, a 9kg anode over 12 months will deplete 4.5kg of material into the water, which is not environmentally friendly,” Gatt says.

In contrast, he adds, MPS anodes typically weigh less while offering a larger volume.

“The anode we’ve developed typically will reduce about 20 per cent, and our anode is less than half the weight of a traditional anode by mass, but volume is three to four times compared to a normal zinc,” he says. “So you’ve got volume but half the weight.” This means fewer anodes and less material ending up in the water.

In addition to environmental benefits, MPS anodes also help maintain the integrity of hard coatings like antifouls, preventing issues such as caking and marine growth. This innovation reduces fuel consumption, lessens drag, and lowers cleaning costs.

“It’s a win-win for the environment and the boat owner.”

MPS provides tools on its website to assist boat owners in determining the right anode setup based on boat type and specifications. Gatt says these tools specifically target timber and fibreglass boats commonly used in leisure boating. MPS anodes, proven over 25 years and widely distributed across regions including the US, Europe, and Australia, have already been adopted by major boat brands.

MPS’ broader focus includes corrosion prevention, marine growth mitigation, and assisting boat builders with designing corrosion-resistant electrical systems.