Marine coatings are used in marine environments for protection against corrosion, fouling, and UV radiation. The protection of the ship both above and below the waterline is crucial. Above the waterline, marine coatings help prevent damage due to UV radiation. Moreover, application of marine coatings below the waterline help prevent fouling and corrosion. An increase in life of marine vessels and equipment is observed on application of marine coatings.
There is a tendency of corrosion due to exposure to hostile marine environments. The consequences of corrosion are larger than the price incurred in preventing it, hence marine coatings have become a vital part of the shipping and shipbuilding industries. In addition, fuel consumption is reduced if the ship is in optimal shape. The major challenges are environmental regulations against leachable coatings. High VOC coats on leaching have an adverse effect on marine ecosystems. Furthermore, oil price instability has led to raw material price fluctuations which will slow down market growth in the forecast period.
Marine Coatings Market Taxonomy
On basis of Product Type
- Anti-Fouling
- Foul Release
- Slime Release
- Anti-CorrosionOthers
- Epoxy based
- Polyurethane
- Water based
On basis of Application
- Marine
- Freight Containers
- Fishing Vessels
- Shipyards & Ports
- Naval Vessels
- Boats
- Ships
- Yachts
- Cruises
- Tankers
- Barges
- Special Purpose Vessels
- Oil and Gas
- Platforms, Semi-Submersibles
- Subsea Equipment
- Pipelines
- Drill Ships
- FPSO’s
- Others
- ConstructionOthers
- Offshore Civil Structures
- Bridges & Underwater Tunnels
- Others
Anti-fouling agents are applied on the marine vessels and equipment to prevent bio-fouling, which is the growth of algae, micro-organisms, plants, and animals. Increase in drag is observed due to bio-fouling which results in soaring fuel costs. The application of foul release agents makes the surface of material smooth, low friction and slippery, not allowing fouling organisms to attach to the surface. These are eco-friendly substitutes for anti-fouling agents.
The largest end user is the marine industry. As it operates in the midst of a highly corrosive saline environment. The need for frequent dry docking is reduced by coating and directly translates into reduced operating costs as dry docking is an expensive process. The oil & gas industry employs marine coatings on subsea equipment that are subjected to hostile pressure and temperature conditions in deep-water and ultra-deep-water zones.
Marine Coatings Market Outlook
- Asia Pacific is the largest market for marine coatings. This is driven by both the marine and oil & gas industry. Increasing demand for energy in emerging economies of India, China, Indonesia, Philippines and ASEAN has boosted exploration and production activities in this region. Moreover, demand for goods has been followed by increased shipping and shipbuilding activity in this region which in turn has driven the marine coatings market. In addition, the development of this region as a low cost manufacturing zone has also increased shipping.
- North America and Europe are the largest markets for boats, yachts and cruise liners, though these account for a relatively small market share in the marine industry. The luxury cruise liner segment is the fastest growing in these regions.
- Middle East and North Africa are crude oil rich zones. The oil tanker segment is a major player in this region. The oil produced in these regions is exported to Asian, European and North American markets.
- Latin American market has witnessed growth in both energy and marine industry. Though growth is sluggish due to complex trade laws between countries and poor port infrastructure. But, increased private sector engagement in modernization of ports and regulatory improvements can be a driver for the marine industry.
The requirement of special purpose ships in the oil and gas industry is growing. As production moves to deep-water and ultra-deep-water, specially designed drill ships and exploratory ships are required. In 2010, Maersk has commissioned the Viking, a US$ 650 million drillship to drill in depths of excess of 3000m water depth. Further developments in this segment is expected in the forecast period. Major players in the marine coatings market include Nippon paint marines Co. Ltd., Hempel A/S, Jotun A/S, PPG Industries Inc., AkzoNobel NV, DuPont, Axalta Coating Systems, Engineered marine coatings LLC, Chugoku Marine Paints Ltd., Advanced Marine Coating AS, KCC Corp., Kansai Paint Co. Ltd.
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Source: AB Newswire
Can you explain how marine coatings serve different purposes above and below the waterline of ships?