Jotun Paints said it will showcase its anti-corrosive coating solutions for offshore oil rigs, platforms and semi-submersibles at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference 2008 (Adipec).

Adipec, one of the largest petroleum shows in the world will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from November 3 to 6, 2008.

In addition to its unique protective coating solutions for the oil and gas sector, Jotun also has a global repute for its decorative, protective, powder, marine, floor/concrete protection and intumescent coatings.

Participating under the umbrella of the Norwegian Pavillion, Jotun will be focusing on the offshore hydrocarbon processing industry around the world, in line with its strategy to leverage the boom within the region's coatings market, which currently accounts for roughly five per cent of the world figures.

By combining its expertise in marine protection and deep involvement in protective coatings, Jotun has been able to offer the offshore industry an extensive range of products for protection in some of the world's most demanding environments.

'The demand from the oil and gas industry has led to massive increases in the amount of paint consumption in the region, with Saudi Arabia expected to consume around 1.6 million metric tons per year by 2010, and the UAE witnessing a double digit growth in the past few years,' said Philippe Fouques, Regional Protective Coatings manager ME, Jotun Paints.

'We are optimistic that through our presence at ‘Adipec 2008’, we will be able to explore more growth options within the energy sector by ensuring that companies have access to the support they need to optimise coating performance in their facilities.

'We are looking forward to meeting potential partners during this event, and demonstrating how using Jotun Paints will result in increased efficiency and longevity of their oil and gas infrastructure.'

Jotun's advanced formulations offer resistance to corrosion, fouling, chemical attack and severe abrasion - with its tough one-coat, non-skid products with high film thicknesses meeting the need for surfaces for helicopter decks, gangways, escape ways and sub-sea structures.

Further, Jotun's powder coatings and cathodic protection also protect pipelines and submerged structures.

In addition to highlighting these new features, Jotun will also focus on educating the trade visitors on how to minimise maintenance costs during the expected lifetime of the plant and prevent unplanned, costly shutdowns through the Jotun Asset Management Program (Jamp).

Furthermore, customers can gain theoretical and practical training from the Jotun Energy Paint School during the event, where it will also showcase its range of steel and concrete coating for the protection of energy installations.

'Amidst the development of the region as an active offshore rig building market, the market is on the lookout for products that can withstand the extremely harsh environments offshore to protect the rigs.

'Through our extensive investments into research and development, we have formulated high performance paints and coatings, which can serve as an effective 'first line of defence' in protecting highly expensive offshore structures from extreme temperatures, ferocious winds, salt spray, chemical spills, ultra-violet exposure, deep-sea waters and perpetual battering from the waves.

'On top of this, we also make sure that we can deliver quality products at a reasonable price and with a reduced environmental impact,' said Fouques.

Jotun will also showcase its recently launched ‘Global Technical Team No 1', an extensive competence development training program designed to provide quality uniform technical support and service in every region.

With more than 600 full-time, specially train