Klaus Moeller, Group Vice President and Stefan Olsen, Fouling Release Systems Manager,
R&D, Hempel A/S
Global seaborne trade continues to grow despite the cur- rent economic difficulties facing many trading nations. But it has been the shipping industry that has felt the
pinch most significantly. Thin margins are forcing vessel operators to search for efficiencies at every turn, which has encouraged owners and operators alike to carefully scrutinize every
aspect of their operations. Using innovative hull coatings to
save on fuel costs has been a major focus in recent years; the result is that owners and operators now look more strategically at
the coatings they use as a tool to increase operational efficiency.
Like shipping, the offshore sector is not faring well in light
of continuing low oil prices. Therefore, operators of complex
steel structures in the offshore environment, such as oil and gas
installations, must carefully consider their choice of protective
coating as a tool to manage operating and maintenance costs
and, therefore, enhance profitability.
Developing highly complex and technologically advanced
protective coatings that deliver the required efficiencies to these
specialized market segments raises a number of technical challenges for coatings providers.
Above the Waterline
Offshore structures are permanently exposed to highly saline and
corrosive conditions along with extremes of temperature and
A focus on enhancing operational efficiencies galvanizes change for protective coatings.
PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS in
Challenging Environments
