Cathodic protection reduces the corrosion of metal by transforming it into a cathode of an electrochemical cell. This happens by placing another corrodible metal alongside the protected metal to create an anode, thereby polarising the protected metal and preventing corrosion. However, the anode metal has to be replaced after several years.

The scope of works on the Onhym contract covers the installation of anodes, transformers, tubing and backfill along the 125-km, 8-inch pipeline, which connects the Youssoufia phosphate mine with the fertiliser plant operated by Office Cherifien de Phosphates, Morocco’s largest company and one of the world’s biggest phosphate and fertiliser exports.

While Morocco has few oil and gas reserves, it has more than 700km of gas pipeline and 200km of oil pipelines.