As shipowners increasingly seek coatings that reduce docking time and extend maintenance cycles, BW Epic Kosan’s ongoing preference for Steelpaint’s corrosion-protection technology underscores the growing confidence in zinc-based polyurethane systems to preserve vessel integrity.
Since its first order in 2017, Steelpaint has regularly supplied its Stelpant-PU-Zinc
coating for application to the hulls and decks of BW Epic Kosan’s global gas carrier fleet. The most recent delivery was shipped two weeks ago for application to the 11,000 m³ LPG carrier Epic Sunter, which is scheduled to drydock in the United Arab Emirates.
Several vessels have now completed two or three drydocking cycles with the same coating system performing effectively, requiring only minor touch-ups rather than full recoating. The single-component, moisture-curing polyurethane zinc primer is applied to hull areas from the boot-top to the railing, as well as on exposed deck structures, to prevent corrosion and maintain steel integrity.
“Repeat orders from the shipowner reflect long-term satisfaction with Steelpaint’s corrosion resistance and the confidence BW Epic Kosan places in the system to safeguard its vessels. Epic Kosan’s fleet operates in some of the world’s most demanding marine environments, with vessels routinely exposed to saltwater and extreme temperature cycles. The shipowner’s continued confidence in Stelpant-PU-Zinc underlines the system’s proven durability in extending asset life and reducing maintenance downtime,” has stated Frank Müller, Director of Steelpaint.
The zinc-rich formulation provides cathodic protection with deeper penetration into the steel substrate, while retaining elasticity throughout its service life to prevent cracking and sub-film corrosion.
“The obvious advantages of both the application process and the unique formulation of this coating demonstrate that our customers’ decisions are economically, environmentally and technologically sound. Shipowners using this system typically find that repair and touch-up areas are much smaller than with traditional epoxy coatings,” has commented Dmitry Gromilin, Steelpaint’s Technical Manager.
Stelpant-PU-Zinc has now been applied to numerous Epic Kosan vessels during scheduled dry-dockings in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, either as a stand-alone primer or within hybrid systems combining Steelpaint’s zinc base with alternative topcoats selected by the owner.
“We’ve used Steelpaint coatings across a large part of our fleet for several years and have been very satisfied with the results. For us, a key measure of any coating is how it performs over time. With Stelpant-PU-Zinc, we’ve consistently seen smaller repair areas and less surface degradation between dockings. The product has helped us reduce downtime while maintaining high structural standards across our fleet,” has commented Niraj Singh, Chief, Tech/Sci and R&D Manager, BW Epic Kosan.
“Many shipowners appreciate the flexibility of a single-pack primer that can be applied quickly in varying climatic conditions,” he said. “It cures rapidly and provides long-term protection in aggressive marine and industrial environments. Combined, these benefits deliver measurable savings over traditional multi-component epoxies while maintaining the high corrosion-protection standards required by classification societies,” has added Dmitry Gromilin, Steelpaint’s Technical Manager.
“Consistent performance, ease of application and proven lifecycle value directly reduce operational expenditure. This collaboration demonstrates how the right coating technology can make ship maintenance faster, safer and more sustainable,” has concluded Frank Müller.