by GuestfromEU » February 16, 2018, 6:56 am
Another item to consider is the application of modern coatings (paint). Marine coatings is very much a technical business, though the AB swinging a brush likely doesn't give much thought to it. My company utilizes a software program, tailored to each ship, for on-board maintenance painting. This is the routine painting done during the year. It describes application thicknesses, mixing ratios (two part epoxies), which primer to use under which top coat (interior and exterior coatings are different).
Hull side and underwater coatings are done in dry dock, as proper application procedures must be adhered to (I have seen coatings peel off in sheets due to improper spraying). The hull is spot blasted, blended, spot primed, and coated. Coatings are typically a three part process. Sometimes the entire hull is blasted, depending on the type of coatings used (anti-fouling, etc.) Putting a man over the side and rolling on the paint guarantees nothing in proper adhesion, film thickness, nor life cycle expectancy. If a drop of paint does fall into the water, in some jurisdictions, can result in a not-so-pleasant visit from Port State/local authorities. We joke about it, but it is true. Besides, as shippers, we are equally respectful of the environment, and furthermore, the safety of a crew member. Work over open water requires authorization from the very top of the company, something not taken lightly.
The gist of it is such that it is not as simple as going to Sherwin Williams and buying a can of paint. For more info, Google companies like Jotun, International Coatings, Sigma Marine Coatings, Hempel...the list goes on. I just authorized an order for paint for a ship - a few 20 liter cans of top coat, hardener, and some five liter cans for the engine room. The cost was over $1500, plus that much additional in freight charges due to HazMat.
That said, a ship fresh out of the yard, all cleaned up, it is a rewarding sight.
Another item to consider is the application of modern coatings (paint). Marine coatings is very much a technical business, though the AB swinging a brush likely doesn't give much thought to it. My company utilizes a software program, tailored to each ship, for on-board maintenance painting. This is the routine painting done during the year. It describes application thicknesses, mixing ratios (two part epoxies), which primer to use under which top coat (interior and exterior coatings are different).
Hull side and underwater coatings are done in dry dock, as proper application procedures must be adhered to (I have seen coatings peel off in sheets due to improper spraying). The hull is spot blasted, blended, spot primed, and coated. Coatings are typically a three part process. Sometimes the entire hull is blasted, depending on the type of coatings used (anti-fouling, etc.) Putting a man over the side and rolling on the paint guarantees nothing in proper adhesion, film thickness, nor life cycle expectancy. If a drop of paint does fall into the water, in some jurisdictions, can result in a not-so-pleasant visit from Port State/local authorities. We joke about it, but it is true. Besides, as shippers, we are equally respectful of the environment, and furthermore, the safety of a crew member. Work over open water requires authorization from the very top of the company, something not taken lightly.
The gist of it is such that it is not as simple as going to Sherwin Williams and buying a can of paint. For more info, Google companies like Jotun, International Coatings, Sigma Marine Coatings, Hempel...the list goes on. I just authorized an order for paint for a ship - a few 20 liter cans of top coat, hardener, and some five liter cans for the engine room. The cost was over $1500, plus that much additional in freight charges due to HazMat.
That said, a ship fresh out of the yard, all cleaned up, it is a rewarding sight.