ABRASIVE BLASTING

Abrasive blasting is a critical surface preparation process used across maritime, civil, and industrial environments. At Polaris Marine Group, we understand that the long-term durability of coatings and structural performance often depends on the quality of surface preparation. Our abrasive blasting services are designed to deliver clean, contaminant-free surfaces that meet the exact standards required for protective coating systems to perform as intended. Whether it’s preparing steel piles for marine-grade epoxy, removing rust and marine growth from aging infrastructure, or ensuring the adhesion of specialised protective membranes, our blasting work is defined by precision, consistency, and care.

Project Summary

Key Achievements

Controlled Surface Preparation

Surface preparation through abrasive blasting is never a one-size-fits-all process. Every structure, from a corroded wharf pile to a newly fabricated steel pontoon, has unique surface condition requirements. Polaris Marine Group approaches each project by first understanding the substrate, environment, and final coating specification. We then select the appropriate abrasive media, pressure level, nozzle configuration, and containment method to achieve the desired profile without damaging the base material. This technical control is especially important in marine environments, where uneven blasting can lead to over-thinning of steel sections or non-compliance with specification requirements. We work across a range of surface classes, from light commercial finishes through to near-white and white metal blast standards. Our team has experience working to industry benchmarks such as AS 1627, ISO 8501, and NACE/SSPC guidelines, ensuring each surface is prepared to the correct standard for coating success. When operating in sensitive environments or around active infrastructure, we also take care to isolate the work zone and protect surrounding surfaces and structures from overspray or rebound material.

Marine and Coastal Applications

Abrasive blasting in the marine sector is a high-stakes task. Structures are often subject to constant wet-dry cycles, salt exposure, and physical wear from mooring lines, vessels, and tidal action. If blasting is not performed to an exacting standard, premature coating failure can occur—leading to expensive rework, loss of asset availability, and increased maintenance cycles. Polaris Marine Group provides abrasive blasting services specifically tailored to maritime conditions, including splash zones, tidal interfaces, and submerged structural components. We often work on live marine assets where shutdowns are not feasible, such as ferry terminals, wharves, and coastal defences. In these situations, our crews operate with efficiency and control, using encapsulated blasting rigs and vacuum recovery systems to minimise environmental risk. Our understanding of marine construction also allows us to integrate surface preparation seamlessly into broader remediation or refurbishment programs, reducing downtime and optimising project flow.

Structural Steel and Fabrication Blasting

In addition to in-situ blasting, Polaris Marine Group operates controlled off-site blasting for fabricated steel components destined for marine, civil, or industrial use. Our team ensures that every section, whether it’s a bollard, beam, brace, or riser, is delivered to site with a properly prepared surface that’s ready for coating or installation. This ensures coating contractors can move quickly and confidently, knowing the surface preparation has been completed to the correct profile and cleanliness level. Our blasting services are compatible with a wide range of protective coating systems, including zinc-rich primers, epoxy mastic topcoats, polyurethane finishes, and specialised anti-fouling products. We work closely with coating suppliers and asset owners to match the blast profile to the system requirements and confirm compatibility between surface cleanliness and coating performance. For highly corrosive zones such as ports, coastal bridges, and offshore infrastructure, this matching process is critical to achieving maximum coating lifespan.

Blasting for Remediation and Asset Life Extension

As part of larger remediation or rehabilitation programs, abrasive blasting is often the first step in giving ageing infrastructure a new lease on life. Once corrosion and contamination have been removed, surfaces can be re-coated, re-inspected, and protected for another decade or more of service. Polaris Marine Group regularly undertakes these programs for clients with wharves, jetties, sheet piling, and marine walkways approaching the end of their initial service life. Our crews understand how to balance thorough corrosion removal with preservation of the existing structure. In some cases, a full white metal blast may be required; in others, a targeted clean to remove delaminated coating and surface salts is sufficient. The decision is always made in consultation with the asset owner, based on the desired outcome, the structure’s condition, and budgetary constraints. What remains consistent is our commitment to clean, uniform surfaces that allow coatings to perform at their peak.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Control

Abrasive blasting can generate dust, noise, and airborne contaminants if not properly managed. Polaris Marine Group invests heavily in control systems and work procedures to ensure blasting operations are safe for workers, compliant with regulations, and sensitive to environmental conditions. Our containment systems capture both spent media and removed material, preventing the spread of pollutants into adjacent waterways, public spaces, or nearby operational assets. We also prioritise worker safety. Our operators use high-performance personal protective equipment, filtered air supply systems, and real-time monitoring to ensure their health is protected at all times. Blasting areas are clearly marked, and exclusion zones are enforced to prevent unauthorised access during operation. These measures ensure that even in high-risk locations, such as operational port precincts or tidal zones near public areas, our work is carried out without incident and with minimal disruption.

Integrated Services with Coating and Inspection

To streamline delivery and maximise quality outcomes, Polaris Marine Group integrates abrasive blasting with our in-house coating and inspection teams. This means that surfaces can be cleaned, inspected, and coated in sequence without unnecessary handover delays. Our inspectors use industry-standard tools to verify blast profile depth, cleanliness rating, and surface temperature, ensuring every coating is applied to a properly prepared base. This integrated model not only improves quality but also speeds up delivery, especially in fast-turnaround projects where windows for surface treatment are limited by weather, tide, or operational restrictions. By keeping all critical preparation and protection tasks within one accountable team, we reduce risk, enhance coordination, and deliver better long-term performance.

Trusted by Industry

Clients across the maritime, transport, defence, and energy sectors rely on Polaris Marine Group for abrasive blasting services that meet the highest technical and operational standards. From port operators preparing infrastructure for long-term lease to councils restoring coastal assets and marine contractors needing quick turnaround on steel preparation, we support projects of all sizes and complexity. Our ability to mobilise quickly, deliver to spec, and back our work with strong QA documentation makes us a preferred partner on both planned and emergency surface preparation projects.

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Gate 2, James Craig Rd, Rozelle NSW 2039

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Phone: +61 2 9563 8333
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