Abstract

Steel corrosion in saltwater costs over $2.5 trillion annually. This review highlights advancements in zinc and polymer-based coatings for marine protection. It covers traditional methods and emerging technologies like nanoparticle-enhanced alloys, conducting polymers, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), and 2D materials. These offer improved resistance, self-healing, and intelligent protection with a future focus on sustainability and extended service life for marine infrastructure. © The Author(s) 2025.