AkzoNobel coating sails past major milestone

Article Type: New materials and equipment From: Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Volume 55, Issue 5

A pioneering marine coating developed by AkzoNobel has sailed past a major milestone in record time. The company’s International Paint brand recently celebrated the 100th application of its revolutionary foul release product Intersleek^® 900 (Figure 1) – just over a year after its official launch.

To put the achievement in perspective, the 100-vessel landmark was achieved six times quicker than with International’s Intersleek^® 700 coating, breaking all previous records for take-up of a new hull coating in the process.

“In a market hugely influenced by fuel cost, we’re very pleased that the value for money offered by our fluoropolymer Intersleek 900 has been quickly recognized by the industry,” said International Paint’s Worldwide Marine Marketing Manager, Alistair Williamson. “What’s quite remarkable is that this milestone has been achieved six times faster than the first 100 ships coated with our silicone-based product Intersleek 700. This is testimony to the exceptional quality of Intersleek 900 and to the performance benefits it can deliver.”

The milestone application came with the completion of thermal coal carrier Corona Emblem, operated by Japanese-based global shipping and logistics company K Line. A ceremony to mark the occasion was held jointly between International Paint and K Line in Tokyo.

Launched in March 2007, Intersleek 900 reached 50 applications just seven months later. Based on patented fluoropolymer technology, its success is largely down to the fact that it offers significantly greater fuel savings than those achievable with silicone-based products. It can also be applied to vessels operating at speeds as low as ten knots. One of its key characteristics, central to its fuel-saving potential, is the fact that it is considerably smoother than any other hull coating produced to date – at least 40 percent smoother than conventional self-polishing copolymers and 25 percent smoother than Intersleek 700.

For further information, please visit the web site: www.akzonobel.com