Marine environments present some of the most challenging conditions for structural materials. Continuous innovation and fundamental understanding of corrosion mechanisms are essential in order to mitigate degradation. The collection on “Marine Corrosion” compiles 19 articles that explore a broad spectrum of materials and techniques aimed at addressing corrosion in marine environments. The research within not only advances our understanding of corrosion processes, but also offers practical solutions for industry.

The monetary cost of corrosion is currently estimated at 3 to 4% of the global GDP considering direct costs exclusively. However, no study to date has quantified the environmental impact associated with steel corrosion. Here, we determined that the CO₂ emissions associated with the steelmaking required to replace corroded steel will be 4.1–9.1% of the total by 2030 considering the European Union and recent U.S. greenhouse gas reduction targets. We suggest that implementing corrosion management best-practices could drastically reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the replacement of corroded steel and emphasize the need for coordinated international efforts.

The easy and scalable synthesis, biocompatibility, one-dimensionality, high aspect ratio, viability for surface modifications, and the ability for cargo-loading and release make organic nanotubes ideal candidates for smart coatings with slow and controlled release corrosion inhibitors and anti-biofouling agents. The wide-ranging applicability of organic nanotubes as controlled release nanocarriers for smart anti-corrosion and anti-biofouling coatings is foreseen.

The UK holds the largest inventory, worldwide, of separated plutonium under civil safeguards. Here, the importance of materials degradation in managing this inventory to a safe and secure end point is reviewed, together with recent developments, in the context of storage, reuse and immobilisation and disposal.