AkzoNobel Supports Delivery of China Cruise Ship

The first large cruise ship to be built in China has set off on its maiden voyage, having been coated with International paint supplied by AkzoNobel’s Marine, Protective and Yacht Coatings business. Constructed over a period of more than three years, the 5,246-passenger Adora Magic City features the company’s Intersmooth fouling control technology. The brand was specified on the hull of the milestone vessel because of its high durability, low VOC content and excellent application properties, the company says.

The ship – which is 323.6 meters long and has a 1,292-person crew capacity – was built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and the launch heralds a new beginning for the Chinese cruise ship new-build sector.

“We’re proud that our trusted coatings technology and expertise played an important role and were extremely impressed during a recent visit to see the final fitting out of this landmark vessel,” says Simon Parker, director of AkzoNobel’s Marine, Protective and Yacht Coatings business, who adds that the company is also contributing to the new-build of Adora Magic City’s sister ship. “We hope to be involved in similar projects in the future and remain committed to supporting the application and development of advanced coatings that will help propel our customers and the industry to a more sustainable future.”

The company’s International brand offers a leading portfolio of coatings that protect and enhance vessel performance when facing different challenges, such as impact and abrasion, chemical resistance and biofouling accumulation. In this area, the product range helps to reduce biofouling build up and mitigate drag over time – which helps to improve fuel efficiency and cut carbon dioxide emissions.