**Preface to "Corrosion and Protection of Steels in Marine Environments: State-of-the-Art and Emerging Research Trends"**

#### How and why did the book come about?

During times when so many academic publications are available to the public through open access, it is important for those who are more attuned to the cutting edge of a particular scientific field to put forward a formal recommendation on the works of those that have made a noticeable contribution to the niche field of marine corrosion science. Therefore, this book came about.

#### Why were the selected papers and authors chosen over others?

Unfortunately, there is a lack of appreciation for how much risk undetected marine corrosion could create for many of our existing and new steel infrastructures and devices. Because of the relatively stealthy and slow nature of corrosion reactions, it is difficult to quantitatively appreciate their consequences. To this end, various researchers around the world have researched systems, methods, and technologies that allow for not only early prediction but also timely intervention and thus protection for steel structures. Some researchers, such as the various authors and their teams selected for this Special Issue have accumulated so much experience and knowledge that a compilation of their work for exposure to a wider audience is certainly prudent.

How and why was the book organized/written?

Aiming to target a wider scientific and engineering-focused audience, this book gathered research papers focused on marine corrosion (and protection) of iron-based alloys, i.e., steel. The articles first cover fundamental scientific advancements and understanding of the chemical and electrochemical kinetics underpinning marine corrosion processes, followed by an advanced understanding of the uniquely specialized cases of microbiologically influenced corrosion with the ability to rapidly exacerbate durability losses, with closing works of various advanced protection systems that can be used in the pursuit of cost-effective practical solutions.

#### **Philippe Refait and Igor Chaves**

*Editors*
