Back in 2020, Safinah Managing Director, Andy Hopkinson wrote an article highlighting the question “Are cargo tank coatings more important than the design of the vessel?”. The argument was clear – while ship design is tightly regulated and certified, the thin layer of tank coating, just 100 – 300µm thick, often dictates what cargoes can actually be carried, how efficiently, and at what cost. Fast forward to 2025, and the message has only become more urgent.
From “Nice to Have” to Strategic Imperative
In the five years since this article was published, the role of cargo tank coatings has continues to be an even more critical line item to a strategic lever for profitability and compliance. Market drivers have sharpened this perspective:
Regulatory pressure has intensified. With IMO 2030 and decarbonisation deadlines looming, cleaning cycles and fuel consumption linked to tank readiness for subsequent cargoes brings greater focus as major emission and ESG factors. A poorly chosen coating can directly undermine an owner’s carbon reduction pathway.
Charterer expectations have risen. Trading flexibility is no longer a competitive edge but a baseline requirement. Owners who opted for “generic equivalents” at build now find themselves locked out of lucrative high-specification cargoes.
Operational risk has escalated. Cleaning regimes, health and safety restrictions on solvent washing and confined space entry, and stricter port state controls have left no room for error. Coating failures or incompatibilities translate directly into off-hire, rejected cargoes, or potentially costly refurbishment.
Coatings as an Engineering System
Andy’s call to treat coatings as an “engineering system” rather than a commodity is now being echoed across the sector. Shipowners, managers, and financiers are recognising that tank linings determine:
- The earnings profile of the vessel across its lifecycle.
- The fuel and emissions footprint linked to cleaning efficiency.
- The risk exposure to disputes, off-spec cargo claims, and downtime.
This recognition is also driving a trend toward independent coating consultancy – experts who can advise on specification and selection based on owners trading objectives;
- Control projects to ensure highest technical standards and delivery to timelines
- Ensure fleet tank condition is available at the touch of a button
- Informs a risk-based approach to vessel operations.
What’s changed since 2020?
Technology evolution: Next-generation low-absorption coatings are now more available, but their tighter application and curing requirements demand even greater QA/QC oversight at newbuilding.
Market lessons learned: Owners who took the lowest-cost route at New Build and without dedicated tank coating support are today facing premature refurbishments, as warned by Hopkinson in 2020.
Sustainability linkage: Coatings are now part of ESG audits and climate disclosures, not just technical specifications. The coating you pick at New Build may impact your vessel’s sustainability score and chartering opportunities.
Final Take
In 2025, it continues to be the case that coatings are as important vessel design and are ultimately critical in determining a ship’s earning power, sustainability trajectory, and resilience.
As Andy highlighted in his article, overlooking the fine print of cargo resistance guides, or treating coatings as interchangeable commodities, is a decision owners will pay for across decades of operation. The message for today’s market? Coatings may be thin, but their impact is anything but.
Discover how Safinah can help optimise your asset performance and operations.
For more insights on Cargo Tank Coatings, register to the upcoming webinar “Cargo Tank Coatings: In-Service Issues”
