This article reports on the failure of two centrifugal chillers that were installed in a large building complex by the seaside. The carbon-steel divider plates of the failed chillers were perforated and severely corroded, although protective coating and cathodic protection had been applied. It was found that the "protective" coating was faulty as they contained the metallic pigment titanium, which is nobler than the underlying carbon steel. The location of the zinc anode on the chiller doors was also problematic. Suggestions for design improvement in protection against corrosion for such centrifugal chillers are proposed. © ASM International 2012.