Cadmium-free Anodes Help Satisfy 2013 VGP

By December 19, the Environmental Protection Agency expects vessel owners and operators with craft included under the Vessel General (VGP), to comply with regulations regarding discharges. VGP directives cover non-military commercial vessels longer than 79'. VGP requirements for cathodic protection can be easily met with environmentally-friendly Martyr brand cadmium-free aluminum and magnesium anodes from Canada Metal (Pacific) Ltd.

Provisions in the 2013 VGP seek to protect U.S. water quality and inhibit the spread of invasive marine species. Specifically in regard to cathodic protection, the VGP calls for owners to select devices "with metals that are less toxic to the extent technologically feasible and economically practicable and achievable." Traditional zinc anodes contain percentages of highly toxic cadmium, a heavy metal whose use and disposal are becoming increasingly restricted and regulated.

The VGP outlines that for vessels largely operating in fresh water, the owner/operator using aluminum or zinc must document why magnesium is not appropriate. Likewise, any owner/operator who chooses zinc rather than aluminum for a vessel that spends the majority of its time in salt water, must document reasons for this choice.

As part of its corporate commitment to environmental preservation, CMP makes its Martyr brand aluminum and magnesium anodes with no traces of toxic cadmium. Besides helping to protect the marine ecology, Martyr cadmium-free anodes weigh far less than comparable zinc anodes, so vessel owners gain fuel savings as well as peace of mind.

Cadmium-free anodes also offer excellent performance and efficiency, lasting longer than their traditional counterparts. Vessels require fewer such anodes, and can operate with longer intervals between anode replacements.

CMP said it currently stands as the only company on the market to offer cadmium-free cathodic protection for all three water types. Martyr II aluminum anodes, effective in salt or brackish waters, employ only a fraction of the zinc used in making a regular zinc anode. The other Martyr II components, aluminum and indium, present no toxicity to marine life. Martyr III magnesium anodes provide eco-friendly cathodic protection for vessels in fresh water.

Pressure die cast and manufactured to the strictest ISO 9001 quality standards, Martyr brand anodes have steel inserts to ensure a tight fit and complete contact for the life of the product. Premium features like hex head machine screws and bolt-retaining washers make them a top choice for installers.

Commercial vessel owners can find a wide range of Martyr brand hull anodes in a variety of mountings, available in both aluminum and magnesium. Additionally, the Martyr cadmium-free line includes Olympic drive, heat exchanger, heat transfer, platform/standoff, cable, ballast tank, condenser, crab trap, prop nut and plate anodes made of aluminum.

canmet.com