ARNHEM, the Netherlands - Akzo Nobel's International Paint business, reported to be the world's largest supplier of marine and protective coatings, formally initiated operations in Japan with the launch of International Paint Japan. The launch was marked with an inauguration ceremony in Tokyo following the establishment of the business as a legal entity on April 5. International Paint had previously supplied products on an "indirect" basis.

International Paint Japan, which has 23 employees, will supply its full range of new building, dry-docking and sea stores products and services to local customers and foreign-flag vessels. Products will be supplied from the company's central warehouse near Kobe, or from regional depots. In addition to servicing new-building and repair yards on a direct basis, delivery of sea stores products to owners' vessels can be made to 82 locations throughout Japan.