Blogs

AMPP Applauds Full Congressional Passage of FY26 NDAA, Reinforcing Corrosion Policy, Shipbuilding, and Industrial Base Priorities

Washington, D.C. – (December 17, 2025) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the leading global authority in materials protection and performance, applauds full congressional passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) . This bipartisan defense policy bill establishes priorities, authorities, and program direction for the U.S. Department of War. As an authorization bill, the NDAA sets the rules, structure, and strategic direction for national defense programs, including force readiness, infrastructure modernization, and industrial base strength. While it does not provide funding itself, the NDAA authorizes ...

AMPP Announces Former Blue Angel Pilot John “Gucci” Foley as Keynote Speaker for 2026 Annual Conference + Expo in Houston

Houston, Texas (December 17, 2025) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, has announced that John “Gucci” Foley , former lead solo pilot of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and one of the top 10 most in-demand speakers worldwide, will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2026 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo . The event will take place March 15–19, 2026, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. Gucci will deliver a keynote titled “Ignite a Culture of Excellence” at 3 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026 . Drawing from his experiences as a Blue Angel and high-performance ...

AMPP and ASEF Sign Global Cooperation Agreement to Advance Shipbuilding Standards, Technical Exchange, and Maritime Safety

Tokyo, Japan (December 4, 2025) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, and the Active Shipbuilding Experts’ Federation (ASEF) , representing national shipbuilders of IMO Member States, have signed a Global Cooperation Agreement to strengthen collaboration in shipbuilding technology, corrosion-mitigation practices, standards development, and maritime safety. The agreement establishes a formal, nonexclusive framework for cooperation that enables both organizations to exchange technical expertise, advance progress in corrosion control and protective coatings, and support ...

For 2026, AMPP Introduces Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum

Virginia Beach, VA (December 1, 2025) — Designed for U.S. Navy contractors, asset owners, and coating suppliers, this high-impact gathering will convene 200 to 300 participants focused on the advancement of workforce development, corrosion prevention, and best practices in surface preparation and coatings application throughout the maritime sector. From February 3-4, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Va., the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is hosting its inaugural Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum. Registration will be opening soon . Held at The Founders Inn and Spa, the Maritime Coatings Contractor Forum is described by AMPP as an exclusive ...

AMPP CEO Alan Thomas Appointed to Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) Board

Houston, Texas (November 17, 2025) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) announced today that Chief Executive Officer Alan Thomas has been appointed to the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) External Technical Collaboration Board for a three-year term beginning November 2025 and ending August 2028. As one of the nation’s leading applied engineering research agencies, TEES plays a central role in advancing technologies and workforce solutions that directly intersect with AMPP’s mission. Thomas’s appointment strengthens the connection between AMPP and a research enterprise deeply engaged in materials performance, ...

AMPP Selected for National Shipbuilding Research Program Award to Advance AI-Enabled Workforce Modeling for Maritime Trades

Houston, Texas (November 13, 2025) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, has been selected as one of 18 panel projects awarded by the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) , as part of its ongoing mission to reduce costs and expand capability across U.S. shipbuilding and ship repair. This award marks the first time AMPP has been selected as the lead organization for an NSRP project, underscoring the organization’s expanding role in supporting maritime workforce and capability needs. AMPP’s project, Accelerated Workforce Readiness via Dynamic Workforce Modeling, ...

AMPP and SASO Sign Technical Cooperation Program Agreement to Strengthen Standards Development and Quality Infrastructure

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, (November 12, 2025) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the global authority in materials protection and performance, and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) have signed a Technical Cooperation Program (TCP) to advance collaboration in standardization, training, and technical development to enhance safety, quality, and industrial performance. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organizations to support the exchange of information, participation in the development and harmonization of standards, and organization of joint training programs, ...

AMPP Knowledge Hub Centralizes Access to Trusted Technical Resources and Standards

Houston, Texas – (October 29, 2025) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the world’s leading authority on corrosion control and protective coatings, has launched the AMPP Knowledge Hub . This reimagined digital platform unifies the industry’s most trusted technical content into one dynamic, easy-to-navigate resource center. Designed to empower professionals across materials protection and performance, the AMPP Knowledge Hub offers access to hundreds of thousands of expert-vetted resources, including technical papers, standards, books, journal articles, magazine issues, webcasts, podcasts, white papers, and historical content dating ...

AMPP Submits Witness Testimony in Support of Senate Hearing on U.S. Maritime Industrial Base

Houston, Texas – (October 28, 2025) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the world’s leading authority on corrosion control, coatings, and materials performance, today voiced its strong support for continued bipartisan efforts to advance the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act , a legislative initiative designed to rebuild the U.S. commercial shipbuilding and maritime industrial base. The announcement follows today’s hearing, “Sea Change: Reviving Commercial Shipbuilding,” held by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Technology’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, ...

AMPP Applauds U.S. Senate Passage of Bipartisan FY26 NDAA, Advancing Preferred Funding for DoD Corrosion Policy & Oversight

Washington, D.C. – (October 15, 2025) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the leading global authority in materials protection and performance, commends the U.S. Senate for passing the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) , which advances AMPP’s preferred funding level for the Department of Defense’s Corrosion Policy & Oversight (CPO) office . While additional steps remain before the bill becomes law, the Senate’s action clears one of the final hurdles to enactment of this critical annual defense measure. “Corrosion prevention isn’t just maintenance; it’s mission readiness,” said AMPP CEO Alan Thomas ...

AMPP Announces Updates to Its Coating Inspector Program (CIP) Level 2 Course to Reflect Evolving Industry Standards

Houston, Texas – (October 14, 2025) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the world’s leading authority on corrosion control and protective coatings, has announced the rollout of an updated version of its Coating Inspector Program (CIP) Level 2 course , beginning this week. The revised course incorporates targeted enhancements to better align with current industry standards, modern inspection practices, and evolving learner needs. Key updates include: Enhanced Practical Exam : New evaluation criteria and standardized procedures for greater consistency across instructors. Updated Equipment : Modern inspection tools replace ...

AMPP to Host Webcast Exploring India’s Path to Top-Five Shipbuilding Nation Status by 2047

Pune, Maharashtra, India – (October 14, 2025) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the world’s leading authority on corrosion control and protective coatings, will host an upcoming webcast examining how India’s shipbuilding and repair sector is advancing through modernization, innovation, and corrosion control. The event, “ India’s Maritime Modernization: Corrosion Control for a Sustainable Future, ” will be held on October 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern (6:30 p.m. IST) . Featuring experts from leading shipyards, research institutions, and engineering firms, the 2.5-hour session will explore how effective maintenance strategies, ...

AMPP to Host Free Webinar on Value of AMPP QP Program

Houston, Texas – (October 8, 2025) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the leading global authority in materials protection and performance, invites asset and facility owners, project managers, and decision-makers to attend a free, 60-minute webcast at 2 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, October 15 , titled “ Why QP is Valuable for Asset and Facility Owners .” This educational session will explore how AMPP’s QP Program , a globally recognized accreditation for industrial coatings contractors and inspection companies, helps organizations prequalify contractors, reduce project risk, and improve confidence in their selection process. ...

AMPP Names 2026–2028 Board Leadership and Vice Chair

Houston, Texas – (October 8, 2025) — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the leading global nonprofit representing corrosion and coatings professionals and industry, has announced the ratification of its newly elected Board of Directors slate for 2026–2028 and the 2026 Vice Chair candidate, as appointed by the AMPP Nominating Committee and confirmed by the Board. The newly elected leaders will begin their terms on January 1, 2026. Leading the slate is Laura Cardenas , WSP (Canada), who will serve as 2026 Vice Chair, 2027 Chair, and 2028 Immediate Past Chair. The newly elected 2026–2028 Directors include: Craig Botha ...

AMPP and IOGP Sign Memorandum of Cooperation to Advance Asset Integrity and Standards Alignment

Houston, TX – September 29, 2025 — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) and the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to formalize a cooperative relationship aimed at strengthening global practices in corrosion control, protective coatings, and asset integrity for the oil and gas sector. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in areas including technical expertise exchange, standards harmonization, joint participation in industry committees and working groups, and cooperative advocacy to advance safety, security, and sustainability ...

AMPP Marks World Maritime Day 2025 by Highlighting Corrosion Prevention’s Role in Protecting Oceans

Houston, TX – September 25, 2025 — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the world’s leading authority on corrosion control and protective coatings, proudly joins the global maritime community in celebrating World Maritime Day 2025. This year’s theme, set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) , is “Our Ocean – Our Obligation – Our Opportunity.” Corrosion is one of the maritime industry’s most persistent challenges. Left unchecked, it shortens the life of ships, ports, and offshore platforms, driving up costs, increasing emissions, and threatening safety. By advancing corrosion prevention practices, AMPP’s standards ...

Global Leaders to Convene at MECC 2025, Featuring AMPP CEO Alan Thomas as Keynote Speaker

Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – September 24, 2025 — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) Dhahran Saudi Arabia Chapter together with the Materials Engineering Association, and the Bahrain Society of Engineers, will host the 1 9th Middle East Corrosion Conference and Exhibition (MECC) from November 11–13, 2025, at Dhahran Expo in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. AMPP CEO Alan Thomas will deliver a keynote address highlighting the global importance of asset integrity and corrosion management. His participation underscores AMPP’s role as the leading international authority in advancing protective coatings, corrosion control, ...

AMPP Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan PIPES Act of 2025, Pledges Support for Final Passage

Houston, TX – September 23, 2025 — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) today announced its strong support for H.R. 5301, the Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act of 2025 , a bipartisan bill that reauthorizes and modernizes the nation’s pipeline safety programs under the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) . The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed the amended bill, which now advances to subsequent committee votes. H.R. 5301 provides a forward-looking framework to bolster domestic energy infrastructure, enhance public safety, and invest in cutting-edge ...

AMPP Welcomes Appointment of Paul Chang as Director of DoD’s Corrosion Policy and Oversight Office

Washington, DC – September 22, 2025 — The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the leading global authority on corrosion control and protective coatings, congratulates Paul N. Chang on his appointment as Director of the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Office of Corrosion Policy and Oversight (CPO) , effective today. Housed within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the CPO is critical in safeguarding military assets' operational readiness and longevity by developing policy, allocating resources, and coordinating efforts across the services to mitigate corrosion-related risks. AMPP ...

AMPP Gujarat Student Chapter Reaches 550-Member Milestone, Strengthening Future of Corrosion Science

The AMPP Gujarat Student Chapter has achieved a remarkable milestone in its membership campaign, reaching 550 active student members across 17 leading institutes and universities in Gujarat and beyond. This achievement underscores the growing interest among young engineers in corrosion science, materials protection, and related fields. The chapter’s membership comprises 223 students graduating in June 2026 and 263 students set to graduate in June 2027, ensuring a strong pipeline of emerging professionals. Students hail from esteemed institutions, including: The M.S. University of Baroda, Vadodara Sir Bhavsinhji Polytechnic Institute, Bhavnagar ...