The first large cruise ship ever 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 high-performance brand was specified on the hull of the milestone vessel due to its high durability, low-VOC content, and excellent application properties. 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 newly launched ship, which weighs 135,500 tons, contains more than 25 million different parts and was produced with the cooperation of more than 30 countries and over 8,000 specialized suppliers.
 
“Our ability to support global projects and supply chains provides value for customers of our Marine Coatings business,” continues Parker. “Our International brand has been meeting customer needs in this respect for more than 140 years. We’re constantly innovating to keep pace with evolving requirements, with a clear focus on supporting customers in yard efficiency, boosting lifetime performance and reducing both fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions in operation.” 

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 CO₂ emissions. Owners and operators can also benefit from the company’s Intertrac software, which uses big data to support underwater hull scheme selection and predict and maximize lifetime performance, while considering key industry regulations.

For more details about the company’s International range of products, visit the dedicated website.