Nippon paint technology makes the grade

The technology, introduced to the company’s NOA (Nippon Paint Marine Optimised and Advanced Coating System) range in 1998, allows applicators, surveyors and inspectors to easily see whether the coating has been correctly applied.

NOA60HS is designed specifically for use in ballast water tanks, oil and petrochemical tanks, and void spaces. “The addition of NOA60HS to the NORSOK M-501 approved product range marks a significant development for offshore vessels and installations, such as FSOs, FSRUs and FPSOs,” said Makoto Nakagawa, marketing manager, Nippon Paint Marine.

“The special pigmentation used in the NOA range is carefully adjusted to the correct dry film thickness of the system so the applicators and inspectors will see immediately if an area meets the specification or needs to be corrected to meet the specification,” he added.

Developed in 1994 by the Norwegian petroleum industry and administered by the Norwegian Technology Standards Institution, the NORSOK M-501 standard specifies the requirements for coatings selection, surface preparation, application and inspection procedures for coatings applied to offshore vessels, installations and associated facilities.

The standard aims to ensure coating systems are easy to apply and maintain and are environmentally friendly, while providing optimal protection to the installation.