AkzoNobel
AkzoNobel has extended its Chinese marine coatings partnership to accelerate transition to sustainable shipping.
A strategic agreement has been signed between AkzoNobel’s Marine Coatings business and Winning Shipping in China which will help accelerate the maritime industry’s transition to lower carbon operations.
The two companies have been partners since 2016 and the expanded collaboration will involve AkzoNobel supplying a significant volume of International® coatings for a number of drydocking projects in 2026. Focused on six vessels, it will enhance the fleet’s operational efficiency and environmental performance. At the core of the latest agreement is Intersleek® 1100SR product – the world’s first biocide-free fouling control coating to feature patented “slime release” technology. It delivers outstanding fouling control and significantly reduces hull resistance, helping fleets to save fuel and cut greenhouse gas emissions.
“The outstanding performance of International has been fully validated in our existing fleet, delivering significant fuel savings and enhancing our market competitiveness,” says Yu Shan, General Manager of Qingdao Winning International Ship Management Co., Ltd. This is why we’ve chosen to extend and deepen our partnership. Through this drydocking cooperation, we look forward to more vessels benefiting from these more sustainable advanced technologies, jointly contributing to a greener future for the industry.”
Photo: The Winning Youth bulk carrier is coated with products supplied by AkzoNobel
Following the International Maritime Organization’s introduction of emission reduction regulations, shipping companies are addressing their carbon footprint and actively adopting measures to optimize energy efficiency. China is also speeding up the implementation of its “Dual Carbon” strategy in the maritime sector, promoting the widespread adoption of more sustainable technologies. “We’re honoured to continue and deepen our strategic cooperation,” said Rob Leslie, Commercial Director of AkzoNobel Marine and Protective Coatings in Greater China. “Winning Shipping’s unwavering pursuit of more efficient operations aligns perfectly with our philosophy of helping customers through sustainable innovation. We look forward to providing solid support for the long-term operational efficiency and sustainable development goals of its fleet.”
In addition to Intersleek 1100SR, International will also supply the project with its Intercept® 8500 LPP antifouling coating, which combines linear polishing with an optimized biocide package. This is the highest performing antifouling product within the International range, specifically designed for deep sea vessels.
This agreement was signed during the recent Marintec China 2025 event, one of the world’s leading maritime industry exhibitions.
Learn more about AkzoNobel’s marine coatings.
Hempel
Hempel A/S has launched the latest addition to the Hempaline Defend family; Hempaline Defend 430, a next-generation tank lining created to help energy operators boost efficiency, minimise downtime and extend maintenance intervals. The solvent-free, epoxy phenolic lining streamlines application, lowers energy use during installation and supports more sustainable operations by reducing VOC emissions and workplace hazards. By combining single-coat efficiency with rapid curing and long-term durability, Hempaline Defend 430 enables asset owners to keep tanks in service longer while lowering lifecycle costs.
Hempaline Defend is a range of high-performance lining solutions engineered for the demanding conditions of the energy and process industries. Designed to withstand corrosion, high temperatures, abrasion and exposure to a wide spectrum of chemicals and solvents, these linings provide reliable long-term protection. By reducing maintenance needs and extending service life, Hempaline Defend helps operators maximise uptime and lower total lifecycle costs. “After a trial application with a major tank builder, customer feedback was that the shorter inspection time, compared to their existing lining, would significantly improve output in their workshop,” Matthew Fletcher, Segment Development Manager, Linings at Hempel A/S commented that: “With Hempaline Defend 430, asset owners benefit from a solvent-free lining that can be applied in a single coat, returned to service quickly and approved even for the most sensitive cargos and with a temperature resistance up to 90°C and strong hydrocarbon resistance, Defend 430 truly offers a versatile one-product solution for storage tanks.”
Key technical highlights:
• Solvent-free epoxy phenolic lining for energy storage tanks
• Single-coat application at 400 µm (16 mil’s)
• Rapid return to service: 3 days at 20°C
• Withstands crude oil up to 93°C (200°F)
• Approved for potable water (WRAS) and jet fuel (EI1541)
• Inspection interval extension up to 5 years (API 652 & 653 compliant with optional glass fibre mat reinforcement)
• Compatible with Hempaline Prepare 130 primer for immersion up to 90°C
You can learn more about Hempaline Defend right here.
Oceaneering
Oceaneering Wins ASQE Diamond Award for Quality Excellence
Photo: The ASQE Diamond Award
Houston, Texas – Oceaneering International, Inc. has been honoured with the American Society for Quality and Excellence (ASQE) Diamond Award, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the quality industry. Oceaneering was one of only two companies selected for this award in 2025, reflecting a commitment to performance excellence and innovation.
The Diamond Award is presented to organizations that achieve the highest maturity scores in the annual Insights on Excellence® (IoE) Benchmarking Tool survey. This recognition signifies exceptional standards of quality and continuous improvement, recognizing organizations that integrate best practices into every aspect of their operations.
Oceaneering’s 2025 results demonstrate a progressive Quality culture, as defined in the IoE maturity model, and predictable and consistent delivery of services and products that meet or exceed customer expectations. Winners were recognized during the Excellence Roundtable event in November, coinciding with World Quality Month.
Julie Sitzmann, Director, Quality Solutions, at Oceaneering, said: “Oceaneering is committed to performance excellence, and this recognition reflects that our quality management system and culture are delivering as intended. We are proud to be one of only two companies honoured with the Diamond Award, which highlights our commitment to quality and consistent execution across the organization.”
Learn more about Oceaneering’s approach to Quality.
