AkzoNobel’s protective coatings brand, International®, has released a groundbreaking study showing that protective coatings with a higher lamellar glass flake content offer the most effective long-term protection for offshore structures.

Long-term offshore corrosion resistance depends on minimizing damage during construction and operation. As the industry faces increasing pressure to extend offshore asset lifespans beyond 40 years, demand has grown for coatings that reduce costly maintenance and environmental impact.

Glass flake is typically added to coatings to enhance protection against impact and abrasion. International® examined the effect of varying lamellar glass flake concentrations on the durability of its epoxy-based coating, Interzone® 1000. Epoxy is the most widely used offshore protection technology, offering proven longevity while minimizing the health, safety, and environmental (HSE) risks associated with polyester coatings used in initial fabrication.

A comprehensive study compared coatings with different glass flake contents. International standards, such as ISO 24656, classify epoxy solutions with more than 20% glass flake as the highest-performing technology for extending offshore asset lifespans. However, the study found that Interzone 1000, with 33% lamellar glass flake, provided superior long-term protection compared to coatings with lower glass flake content. These findings establish a clear correlation between high glass flake content and coating durability—an industry first.

The study was conducted by a third party, validating the performance benefits of increased glass flake content, including greater durability, reduced maintenance needs, and lower associated costs. The findings, published in a whitepaper, provide new insights for owners, engineers, and specifiers in the energy sector.

Additionally, the long-term impact of Interzone 1000 has been monitored for 40 years on the Hutton Tension Leg Platform (TLP) in the North Sea off Scotland’s east coast. Applied in 1982, the coating’s integrity was confirmed during inspections at the 30- and 40-year marks, demonstrating exceptional resistance to corrosion and wear in extreme offshore conditions.

“There is growing demand to extend offshore asset lifetimes as investment in the sector increases," said Willem Horn, Sub-Segment Manager, O&G Upstream and Wind Energy at AkzoNobel. "Today’s research proves a clear correlation between lamellar glass flake content and coating durability.

“With a 40-year track record and real-world performance, Interzone 1000 demonstrates how epoxy solutions from International® remain the trusted choice for offshore asset protection. Its optimized formulation delivers unmatched durability, extending asset life and reinforcing confidence in a sustainable energy transition. More than 4,000 offshore assets worldwide are protected by this technology.”

Access the full whitepaper and a recording of the recent webinar on the Hutton TLP case study here. The webinar includes study findings, third-party testing data, and detailed inspection insights.