Since its official launch in August last year, a new type of coating designed to provide greater protection for the bulk cargo tanks has received nearly 40 applications and gained considerable market recognition.
Nippon Paint Marine's new Neoguard Toughness has been applied to the cargo holds of 37 bulk carriers. The owners of these carriers include Eastern Pacific Shipping, Synergy Group, Far East Lines, Iskenderun Shipping and Wisdom Marine.
Makoto Nakagawa, general manager of the marketing department of Nippon Paint & Shipping Company, said: "We have developed Neoguard Toughness according to the requirements of shipowners to provide a more impact-resistant epoxy coating system for cargo holds and hatch covers. So many applications are coming soon. Neoguard Toughness is undoubtedly one of the hardest and toughest coatings we produce for the commercial marine market. "
The thickness of the highly solid epoxy coating is particularly suitable for protecting steel structures from wear and impact damage of iron ore, coal and other bulk cargoes, while providing long-term corrosion protection. The product meets the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements for grain and feed compatibility.
"The mechanical damage and high impact load procedures of the abrasive cargo to the cargo hold are the main reasons for the failure of traditional coatings. If not controlled, it may cause corrosion and structural failure. The toughness of Neoguard Toughness reduces this risk." Nakagawa said.
It can resist cracking caused by up to 4 Joules of impact, and the hardened coating can reach a dry film thickness of 250μm. It can be used without special equipment or machinery; the coating is applied by conventional air spray method, and it takes 5 days to completely cure and dry at a temperature of 30 ° C (86 ° F).
Iskenderun Shipping applied the coating to the 32676 dwt Iskenderun M cargo compartment in November. “So far so good. We found that Neoguard Toughness significantly reduced costs by reducing maintenance and repair requirements.” Ahmet Hamza, Iskenderun Shipping ’s general coordinator, said, “The ease of cleaning of the coating also makes the turnaround time between the goods more Faster and more effective. "
Despite the obvious benefits of cargo tank cleaning and reduced maintenance, John Drew, director of Nippon Paint & Shipping, added that the toughness of the coating can reduce port delays after a failed cargo hold inspection. "Neoguard Toughness greatly improves the chance of passing inspections. This kind of coating can enable shipowners to keep their cargo holds in good condition," he said.
