Jotun, a global supplier of paints and coatings, has announced that it has signed a MoU with Korean Hyundai Heavy Industries, one of the world’s largest shipyards, for a new type of marine paint that reduces solvent emissions by up to 90 per cent.

 

This is the starting point of a closer co-operation and the use of a new, innovative solvent-free primer, said the statement from the company.

 

Jotun focuses heavily on research and development of environmentally friendly paints, and the corrosion-protective primer reduces total solvent release by 80-90%. 

 

The company has worked on developing the new type of marine paint for 13 years. It will reduce solvent (VOC) emissions into the air from approximately 250 grams per liter to just nine grams per liter. 

 

Shipyards will save hundreds of millions of dollars by avoiding investments in plants related to the combustion of VOC’s. VOC combustion also leads to CO2 emissions, so this innovation provides a double benefit.

 

"The partnership with Jotun will allow HHI, the world's largest shipbuilder, to be better equipped to meet the new environmental requirements that are aimed at reducing solvent emissions," remarked  Hyundai Heavy Industries' CEO Ka Sam-Hyun after signing the deal with Jotun's Chairman Odd Gleditch (Jr) during the South Korean President's state visit to Norway recently. South Korea's Minister of Industry Yunmo Song also attended the signing ceremony.

 

Jotun CEO Morten Fon said: "We are, of course, very pleased with the agreement with the world's largest shipyard, but even more satisfied that our innovation is contributing to a better environment."

 

"We have conducted research in Korea and in Norway while developing this paint, and after 13 years can conclude that we have succeeded in developing a product that reduces solvent emissions by over 90 percent," says Erik Risberg, one of the scientists behind the new paint.

 

Primers make up 60-70 per cent of the total amount of paint applied to a ship. Risberg has worked in Korea for years, developing the primer in close collaboration with Korean shipyards. He is therefore very pleased with the agreement with HHI. 

 

The new product is currently available for Korean shipyards and selected shipbuilders in Europe who have experience applying single-coat primers that require careful application techniques.

 

"In addition, the product has better corrosion protection than previous systems, which helps extend the life of the vessels and reduces the need for maintenance," stated Risberg. 

 

"This is also very attractive for shipowners," he added.-TradeArabia News Service