A review on life-cycle cost analysis of anticorrosion coating systems relevance to its economic evaluation and performance insights for the structures in marine and offshore environment
Tingfa Zhou, Chao Hu
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to critically evaluate the methodologies, challenges and applications of life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) in the selection and maintenance optimization of anticorrosion coating systems for marine and offshore infrastructure. Design/methodology/approach The study systematically synthesizes existing literature on protective coatings, their degradation mechanisms in marine environments and the evolving landscape of LCCA frameworks. It categorizes coating types, examines degradation pathways and assesses LCCA approaches ranging from deterministic models to probabilistic and reliability-based methodologies, with integration into risk-based inspection strategies. Findings LCCA proves indispensable for making economically rational decisions on coating systems under harsh marine conditions. Probabilistic models and risk-integrated frameworks offer improved accuracy over traditional deterministic approaches, particularly for high-value offshore assets. However, their effectiveness is limited by data scarcity, degradation complexity and uncertainty in failure consequences. Real-time monitoring and digital twin integration are highlighted as promising directions for adaptive LCCA. Originality/value By offering a comprehensive and critical appraisal of LCCA applications in the marine sector, particularly linking the performance characteristics of anticorrosion coating systems with their long-term economic implications, this work bridges the gap between theoretical cost models and practical coating strategies for offshore infrastructure.