Daewoo Pioneers Intersleek at Newbuilding

International Paint announced the successful completion of the first Intersleek foul release coating application at newbuilding in Korea. Pioneered by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), South Korea and International Paint (Korea) Ltd. (IPK), the sides, rudder and propeller of DSME hull number 2228, a 145,700 cbm LNG Carrier scheduled for delivery in October 2005 for Greek operator Maran Gas, were successfully coated with Intersleek during the vessels pre-delivery drydocking. Prior to the docking, and after a long period of technical consultation with all involved parties, IPK hosted several ‘Intersleek Training Classes’ to fully prepare the shipyard, contractors and owner personnel for this first application. A small number of guest dignitaries including Naval Architecture Professors from Busan National University were also present but otherwise security at the shipyard was particularly tight. Mr. OS Kang, General Manager, Marine & Protective Coatings, IPK, said, “The success of this application is seen as a potential turning point in overcoming the practical difficulties in applying silicone based coatings at newbuilding. Hopefully this application will herald a new era in shipbuilding and coating methodology”. A spokesman for DSME said, “Even though there were difficulties during the process, we completed the work successfully. DSME has strengthened its competitiveness in LNG newbuildings by meeting owners requirements and applying high technology foul release coatings”. OS Kang added, “Two further LNG's for Maran Gas are to be coated with Intersleek at pre-delivery docking in DSME and, if similarly successful, will ease the way for the growing number of newbuilding owners wanting this very special coating system installed at newbuilding”.