BW-FI-UAE-042: White Rust Analysis at Jebel Ali Port
Critical Finding: Z120 coating stored outdoors at Jebel Ali Port during summer will develop white rust and fail within 20 days. The absolute minimum requirement for steel shipped to the UAE is Z275 coating, combined with VCI film packaging.
This case study analyzes the rapid white rust corrosion of Z120 galvanized steel coils caused by condensation in the high-temperature, high-humidity summer environment of Jebel Ali Port. Through failure review and environmental simulation, we have established mandatory material upgrade standards for Middle East supply chains.
| Parameter | Failure Case (Z120) | Solution (Z275) |
|---|---|---|
| Coating Weight | Z120 (120g/m²) | Z275 (275g/m²) |
| Storage Location | Jebel Ali Port, Outdoors | Jebel Ali Port, Outdoors |
| Season | Summer (June – September) | Summer (June – September) |
| First White Rust Onset | 18–20 Days | >90 Days (No White Rust) |
| Packaging Method | Standard Moisture-proof Paper | VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) Film |
| Judgement | FAIL | PASS |
Case Study: The Condensation Crisis at Jebel Ali Port
Jebel Ali Port is one of the world’s busiest ports, characterized by a typical high-temperature and high-humidity summer climate (daytime temperatures >45°C, nighttime humidity >85%). These dramatic temperature and humidity fluctuations cause continuous condensation on the steel coil surface at night.
A Z120 coating provides sufficient rust prevention under normal conditions. However, under persistent condensation soaking, the zinc in the galvanized layer is rapidly consumed and converted into loose white rust (zinc oxide/zinc hydroxide), losing its protective capability on the steel substrate and leading to base metal corrosion.
Upgrading to a Z275 coating more than doubles the zinc layer thickness. When combined with VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) film, the packaging releases corrosion-inhibiting molecules that form a monomolecular protective layer on the metal surface, even within a sealed package. This blocks the electrochemical corrosion triggered by condensed water. The dual protection ensures full-cycle safety from the factory to the end user.
Your Delivery Should Not Be the Starting Point of Rust
Baosteel company has established complete “material selection – packaging – logistics” anti-corrosion solutions for high-temperature and high-humidity regions such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Eliminate problems at the material level to safeguard your supply chain security and project margins.
Middle East Material Selection Decision Rule
IF Destination = UAE Summer
AND Storage Days > 7
THEN Use Z275 + VCI Film
ELSE Standard PackagingRule Explanation: If the destination is the UAE during summer and the steel may remain at the port or site for more than 7 days (which covers almost all project-based procurement), the coating and packaging standards must be escalated. This is the minimum mandatory requirement to avoid white rust claims.
