AkzoNobel - Experts & Thought Leaders

International®, AkzoNobel's marine coatings brand, has published a new whitepaper on how data collaboration between fouling control coating experts and vessel operators can drive more informed decision-making, enhance vessel performance reliability and support sustainability goals for the fleet. The research includes a detailed case study of three Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) vessels tracked over a 60-month service period, all coated with Intersleek® 1100SR, an ultra-high performance fouling release coating based on biocide-free silicone technology. Results of the Intersleek 1100SR scheme Impressive results of the Intersleek 1100SR scheme over the 60-month period The whitepaper demonstrates, following a series of joint performance reviews, impressive results of the Intersleek 1100SR scheme over the 60-month period, and concludes that the vessels performed in compliance with agreed performance limits regarding energy efficiency and emissions expectations, including the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating.  The application of Intersleek 1100SR on these vessels significantly contributed to maintaining a smooth and clean hull condition. Fleet of vessels and operations Underwater inspections further confirmed the exceptional performance of Intersleek 1100SR, with minimal biofouling observed across all vessels despite their exposure to challenging environments. The paper also explores how achieving consistency across a fleet of vessels and operations is complex and can yield different results despite similarities between vessel types and operational profiles. This requires high levels of communication, multiple methods of verification, and specialised expertise to support decision-making both before docking investments and while vessels are in-service. Carbon emissions and vessel efficiency Inaccurate data and insufficient transparency of data perpetuates a lack of trust between shipowners According to a report by the Global Maritime Forum, inaccurate data and insufficient transparency of data perpetuates a lack of trust between shipowners and those that supply data, such as charterers. This whitepaper highlights the necessity of companion datasets, like hull inspections to more accurately diagnose performance issues. At a time when increasing regulatory pressures to reduce fleet carbon emissions and improve vessel efficiency is paramount, the tailored and collaborative approach with vessel operators taken by International® contributed positively to long-term sustainability decisions and regulatory compliance. Hull and propeller inspections International® has developed a methodology aligned with ISO 19030 "Measurement of changes in hull and propeller performance" combining vessel performance metrics, Average Hull Roughness (AHR) measurements, underwater hull and propeller inspections, and operational data analysis which, the company says, allow for more accurate interpretation of performance trends and therefore more informed decisions for customers. International® is releasing the whitepaper, titled: ‘Optimising Vessel Performance for Decarbonisation Goals: Managing the Complexities of Hull Efficiency and Fouling Control with Data-Driven Decision Making’, whilst attending Sea Asia 2025 in Singapore, which takes place from 25-27 March. Performance of marine vessels International® has set a methodology aligned with ISO 19030, combining vessel performance metrics Dr Barry Kidd, Vessel Performance Manager at AkzoNobel, said: “This whitepaper emphasises the importance of collaboration with experts to enhance data transparency and confidence in inspection data, which is crucial for effective decision making.” “When it comes to analysing the performance of marine vessels, data is often variable, inconsistent, or incomplete. This makes it more difficult for ship operators to make informed decisions based on the best available information." Use of digital forecasting tool Barry Kidd added: "As the shipping industry faces increasing regulatory pressures to reduce carbon emissions, a tailored approach and partnership mentality to coating selection and fleet management is essential.” “Through our innovative coatings, hull performance team, data-driven insights and the use of our digital forecasting tool, we are uniquely positioned to be a reliable partner to shipowners, assisting them in making informed decisions in regulatory compliance and efficiency.”

Pioneering marine and protective coatings brand International®, part of AkzoNobel, celebrated its 35th year anniversary in China during an event in Shanghai in October 2024. First registered and founded in 1989 in partnership with Shanghai Huayi Fine Chemicals and China State Shipbuilding Equipment & Materials Corporation Ltd, International Paint of Shanghai Co., Ltd. has since established three production facilities in China, 17 distribution centres, and employs over 100 technical service staff to help support the growth of China’s maritime industry. Global shipping demand AkzoNobel celebrates a successful history in China just as the market is growing exponentially AkzoNobel celebrates a long and successful history in China, just as the market is growing exponentially. According to Clarksons’ Shipping Intelligence Network, Chinese shipyards now hold a 56 percent share of the global order book having reached record levels in October 2024. As global shipping demand rises, especially for crude oil and natural gas, China is expected to continue dominating global shipbuilding and become a significant player in ship repairs and maintenance. Intersmooth® fouling control coating technology During an event commemorating its 35th anniversary, International Paint of Shanghai celebrated its key achievements in China with employees, senior pioneers at AkzoNobel, key stakeholders, and partners in attendance.  Notable milestones include Adora Magic City, the first large cruise ship to be built in China with its Intersmooth® fouling control coating technology, the opening of its factory in Pudong in 1994 and the R&D laboratory in Shanghai in 2005, as well as securing ISO14001 Accreditation in 2001. Aesthetic properties of ships International Paint of Shanghai was awarded the Gold Supplier Award for 2023, issued by CSSC Earlier this month, International Paint of Shanghai was awarded the Gold Supplier Award for 2023, issued by China Shipbuilding Corporation Ltd (CSSC). The Gold Supplier Award recognises outstanding contributions to safeguarding the anti-corrosion, anti-rust and aesthetic properties of ships built by CSSC. It is awarded to companies demonstrating customer-focused innovation and industry leadership on sustainable practices. Looking ahead to the future, International Paint of Shanghai has continued ambitions to support the growth prospects and success of the Chinese maritime industry, in addition to its own goals of reaching 50 percent of revenue from sustainable solutions, 50 percent reductions in operations across the value chain, and 100 percent circular use of materials by 2030. Dedicated workforce and strategic partners Simon Parker, AkzoNobel’s Marine, Protective and Yacht Coatings Business Director, who attended the anniversary event, said: “The 35-year anniversary of International Paint of Shanghai in China is not just a celebration of the past, but a commitment to its future." "The event reaffirmed that the journey for International Paint of Shanghai is far from over. With the continued support of our dedicated workforce and strategic partners, we are poised to reach even greater heights in the next 35 years and beyond.”

AkzoNobel’s International® marine coatings brand has announced a series of updates to Intertrac® Vision, a revolutionary digital forecasting tool. The latest enhancements include CII rating prediction, EU ETS cost impact and detailed breakdowns of cost savings across multiple dry-dockings, all designed to further support data-driven decision making on fouling control coatings for global vessel operators. Intertrac® Vision Intertrac® Vision analyses insights from more than 200,000 drydocks and 10,000 vessel operations. Harnessing this extensive track record and pairing it with cutting-edge machine learning modelling, the tool forecasts the contribution of coating performance for a vessel’s in-service period and evaluates the return on investment based on the specified vessel type and operational scenarios.  Other significant new features The tool enables vessel operators to make more informed decisions on fouling control coatings The tool enables vessel operators to make more informed decisions on fouling control coatings, which can help contribute to lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions. The total cost of ownership summary has also been implemented in this recent update, providing insight into the return on investment as well as giving detailed cost contribution for each element of the drydocking cycle.  Other significant new features include the option to forecast over a 120-month cycle, either as two 60-month consecutive dockings or one continuous period. This accommodates the needs of vessel owners and operators to view the longer-term benefits of proper coating selection. Expansion of EU ETS With the expansion of EU Emissions Trading Systems (EU ETS) in January 2024 and the implementation of FuelEU regulation from January 2025, vessel owners and operators are now subject to more rigorous regulations. Consequently, there is a growing need from vessel operators for extensive data and reliable insights to facilitate improved decision-making processes on vessel operations. A recent Lloyds List survey found that more than 59% of shipowners consider coatings to be one of the best decarbonisation measures they can take to comply with the International Marine Organisation’s Carbon Intensity Indicator and Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index. Intertrac® Vision tool Barry Kidd, Vessel Performance Manager at AkzoNobel, said: "Intertrac® was developed to empower shipowners and operators with bespoke insights to help make more informed decisions on vessel performance. Our technical experts understand how fouling challenges and vessel operations vary across trading routes." He adds, "When combined with our technical expertise, the Intertrac® Vision tool provides vessel operators with a greater understanding of where improvements can be made to their vessel operations, which in turn drives better investment decisions. We’re proud to announce that this next generation of Intertrac® Vision will equip customers with even greater insights to help them navigate the ever-evolving regulatory landscape." Capabilities of Intertrac® Vision Earlier this year, AkzoNobel demonstrated the predictive capabilities of Intertrac® Vision in a whitepaper where it accurately forecasted the performance of a globally trading VLCC vessel over a five-year docking period. The results demonstrated the reliability of Intertrac® Vision’s data-driven insights to accurately predict the vessels’ performance to within 1% of actual figures when measured in line with ISO19030. To learn more about Intertrac® Vision, please get in touch with an International® Paint representative to book a consultation for the fleet or visit booth B5.423 at SMM Hamburg 2024, on 3-6 September 2024.