CARGO TANK COATINGS: A MICRO-ISSUE WITHIN A MACRO-PROBLEM

CARGO TANK COATINGS: A MICRO-ISSUE WITHIN A MACRO-PROBLEM

The IMarEST UAE Branch hosted their first technical meeting in 2018 sponsored by FED COM and Advanced Polymer Coatings. The evening brought together 74 high calibers participants from the Middle East maritime fraternity who were privy to Cost effective tank coating solutions for chemical & product tankers by MarineLine.

Nikeel Idnani, Honorary Secretary of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST) UAE branch, highlighted the fact that chemical tankers have their cargo tanks coated unless they are made of stainless steel. Coatings permit easier cleaning, prevent tank corrosion and reduce risk for cross-cargo contamination. The durability of properly applied and maintained coatings could be over 10 years. While introducing the speakers, Nikeel expressed interest in understanding the viability and limitations of each coating type including utilizing polymer systems that have a proven record of outperforming conventional coatings and stainless steel. 

Yavuz Alavi, Director of Business Development for FED COM (MarineLine's Middle East rep), in the keynote address described the chemical market growth factors and MarineLine coating’s performance capabilities versus bimodal epoxy, phenolic epoxy, zinc and stainless steel. He enlightened the audience with the global unveiling of MarineLine® Enhanced cargo tank coating with nano technology which has been engineered to provide high chemical and high impact resistance, as requested by shipowners to withstand mechanical damages that may incur during cleaning, repairs, etc. Advanced Polymer Coatings’ MarineLine® Enhanced is a tougher version of its previous coating system and maintaining superior chemical resistance. 

With this R&D breakthrough, several other benefits have also been realized viz. 50% more Impact Resistance creating a tougher, more durable coating, elongation of up to 15% to virtually match the carbon steel cargo tank, 60% reduced Surface Energy for easier and faster tank cleaning. Also, highlighted during the presentation were charts showing the parabolic increases in methanol production in the Middle East and United States of America, and the fact that MarineLine tanks can carry methanol continuously without restrictions up to 50°C.

Following Yavuz’s thought-provoking presentation, he was joined by Capt. Onur Yildirim (Global Technical Manager, Advanced Polymer Coatings), Capt. Koray Karagoz (Managing Director MarineLine Turkey), Joe Harrington (MarineLine Sales, Advanced Polymer Coatings) for a panel discussion. Epistemic dialog between panelists and the audience contributed to an evening packed with knowledge transfer, exchange of visions, experience and stimulating discussions making it one of the most engaging events to date. 

The congregation had a great atmosphere with an appropriate recipe as there was something alike for the smorgasbord of local, regional and global experts to inform, advise and educate, in a relaxed yet professional environment – specifically created to enable delegates to keep abreast with safely shipping bulk chemicals on the high seas.

Nikeel, who presided the informative meeting, thanked FED COM and Advanced Polymer Coating for their sponsorship of the first-class experience, the prolific speakers for sharing their knowledge and the audience for their active participation. The 74 representatives were from ADNOC Logistics & Services, Advanced Polymer Coatings, Al Mufaddal Engineering & Marine, Ali & Sons Marine Engineering, Arka Global Marine Services, Atkins, Atom Alloys, Bahri Ship Management, Bravo Energy Ltd, BV, C.S. Offshore, Central Ship Management, ClassNK, DNV GL, Drew Marine, Drydocks World Dubai, Endress+Hauser, Gecko Middle East, Globenav Maritime, Goltens, Gulf Ship Management, Gulf Petrochem, International Tanker Management, Key Ship Management, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company, L&I Maritime Services, L&I Maritime Services, Liberian Registry, Lloyd’s Register, Lukoil Marine Lubricants, Marine Core and Charter, Marshal Shipping, Meco Group, Navig8 Chemicals, Petro Plus, Petrofac Engineering, Sigma Paints, Smartech Automation Solutions, Stena Bulk, Topaz Marine, Total, Transgulf Energy, Triton Maritime, Ulmatec Services, United Arab Shipping Company, Vedam Consultancy, Vega Ships Management, Wilhelmsen Ships Service, Zara Maritime and Zenith Ship Management. 

The ‘working’ element of networking continued over clinking glasses and a scrumptious dinner at the upscale Ramada hotel in Jumeirah, Dubai’s most desirable location.