Article by Safinah founder Raouf Kattan and Managing Director Andy Hopkinson published in the latest edition of The Naval Architect magazine.
The recently released Naval Architect magazine features the “Marine Coatings: Looking back, with an eye on the future” article published in the November/December 2024 issue, Safinah Founder Raouf Kattan and Managing Director Andy Hopkinson revisits and updates the insights from the chapter “On the Coating of Ships 1860-2010”, originally published in the Royal Institution of Naval Architects’ (RINA) 150th-anniversary edition.
The original text reviewed ship coating developments over 150 years and identified key challenges for 2010 and beyond, including through-life maintenance, improved repair cycles, environmental and health safety regulations, and coating-friendly vessel designs. Since then, the maritime industry has faced increasing pressures to meet evolving challenges in coating systems and their management.
This updated review explores the significant advancements and hurdles of the past 15 years. Key areas of focus include leveraging Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance through-life performance and reduce inspection risks, adopting new regulatory frameworks that prioritise the full value chain, and addressing environmental and health safety constraints. The article emphasises the need for robust global models to assess regulatory impacts and mitigate risks associated with local optimisation decisions.
Emerging technologies, such as solid paint films, UVc light systems, and drone-based inspections, are identified as potential game-changers, alongside traditional solutions like hard coatings and underwater cleaning. However, these innovations face challenges in scalability, cost-efficiency, and environmental impact. The discussion underscores the critical need for systematic cleaning strategies, advanced productivity tools, and specialised training to address skill gaps in the workforce.
The article concludes by highlighting the urgency for a new generation of “Coating Engineers” to lead the industry with enhanced scientific rigour, tailored standards, and innovative processes. These efforts aim to deliver predictability in coating performance while aligning with tighter regulatory requirements, ultimately reducing the cost and risk of failure for maritime operations.
Read the full article here – https://rina.org.uk/publications/the-naval-architect/
