STX develops new epoxy paint

STX Shipbuilding in South Korea has developed, together with Nippon Paint in Japan, an epoxy paint which is VOC-free (Volatile Organic Compounds) compared with existing Alkyd based paint. The shipbuilder will be using the new coating on cabins and engine rooms on four 51,000DWT product carriers being built for Parakou in Hong Kong.

One of the advantages is that only one coat is required compared with two coats for the traditional paints. STX Shipbuilding said that it will apply the new paint to all ships.