In Focus: AkzoNobel launches ‘cost-saving’ epoxy coating

AkzoNobel has launched its new Interline 704HS tank lining from its International brand — claiming the coating can drive down costs for cargo operators by over $1m a year.

The Dutch performance coating firm says Interline 704HS is a pure epoxy coating that possesses a unique high solids formulation, resulting in less of the product being required and fewer VOCs being released — improving coverage, cutting down on waste and also the impact on the environment.

In development over the past four years, it has been designed as a replacement for the renowned Interline 704.

Said to be approved for use with 76 per cent of the world’s most traded chemicals by volume, Interline 704HS provides the same flexible cargo coverage as its predecessor while also being suitable for black water, technical water and laundry grey water tanks. It is FDA-compliant, making it suitable for the carriage of liquid foodstuffs.

AkzoNobel says through use at new-building, or in maintenance and repair within all marine subsegments, operational costs are slashed as a result of it providing the fastest return to service times in the market, increasing earning potential by up to eight days.

The firm adds that the coating offers a drying time improved by 25 per cent, meaning it can save up to five days per project, driving down labour costs.

“Interline 704 has been the industry benchmark in pure epoxy technology with a proven track record of over 25 years,” says AkzoNobel marine coatings marketing manager, Chris Birkert.

“And now, as the marine industry continues moving forward on its decarbonisation journey, we remain determined to continue harnessing innovation to support these changes.”

“The high solids formulation of Interline 704HS means lower paint consumption alongside 50 per cent fewer VOCs released into the environment than that of its predecessor, making it fully compliant with all current VOC legislation globally.

“Suitable for the safe carriage of over 2,000 cargoes and with stand-out operational efficiencies that can total over $1.3m in savings for operators, we are immensely proud to unveil this cutting-edge product we hope will set a new benchmark for years to come.”

In July, AkzoNobel announced a €20m investment to increase and improve production at two of its sites in France. Around 30 new jobs will be created. A total of €15m will be spent on the company’s aerospace coatings facility in Pamiers, which was taken over following the Mapaero acquisition in 2019.

The firm has just released its fiscal 2022 annual report. The company reported €10.8 billion in revenue and operating income of €708 million.

Adjusted operating income for the year was €789 million, with EBITDA of €1.1 billion.