Steelpaint GmbH has announced its first collaboration with Singapore-based Winning International Group, securing a contract to supply its advanced two-coat polyurethane-zinc coating system for the cargo holds of the Winning Kindness, a 184,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt) capesize bulk carrier. This partnership marks a significant expansion for the German manufacturer among major Asian shipowners.
The coating will be applied at a shipyard in Zhoushan, China, with drydocking scheduled for September 2025. The protective system will cover a 2,000 square metre area prone to aggressive corrosion, including the tank top and lower hopper/stool structure. Frank Müller, Director of Steelpaint, highlighted the importance of this contract, stating, “Owners are seeing the long-term value of switching to a system that not only reduces lifecycle costs but extends vessel service life.”
The decision to partner with Steelpaint follows a successful test patch trial on another vessel, Winning Rich, which demonstrated the coating’s superior performance. Dmitry Gromilin, Chief Technical Supervisor at Steelpaint, noted, “Our PU-zinc system offers reliable protection, especially in high-stress areas.”
The Stelpant product, developed in the early 1980s, has gained traction in the shipping industry for its ability to extend maintenance intervals and reduce steel renewal costs by an estimated $4.5 million (£3.7 million) per vessel over its operational life. Winning International plans to monitor the coating’s performance closely, with potential for wider adoption across its fleet.
This contract is Steelpaint’s second recent agreement with Singapore-based operators, following an April deal to supply Stelpant to 20 dry bulk vessels. With demand for dry bulk tonnage remaining strong, Steelpaint’s innovative coatings are increasingly sought after to minimise downtime and maintenance costs.
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