Jotun has highlighted its SeaForce range as one of the leading global antifouling brands. “Continuous research and development have given the products increased predictability and fouling protection appreciated by vessel owners,” the company said.
 “A combination of unique, tailor-made polymers/binders gives the new SeaForce an improved efficient fouling protection with desired properties, namely a significantly less leached layer, the ability to remove leached layer easily and improved control of biocide release rate,” Jotun said in a statement.
Brand manager Espen Solberg commented: “The secret behind maximising the effectiveness of antifouling paint lies in obtaining a balance between the polishing rate and the release rate of active components from the paint film. Our R&D department has focused on improving this delicate balance. They have identified and introduced unique polymers that give an improved solution and also enhance the mechanical properties. This is clearly quite a challenge to achieve.”
Elaborating on the theme, the Jotun statement said the SeaForce range had developed to be one of the leading global antifouling brands with a world proven assortment of quality antifoulings. It was under constant development to meet customers’ needs.
Giving a rundown on the introduction of SeaForce, Jotun said:  “Only a few years ago the issue of antifoulings was fairly straightforward; today it has become increasingly complicated. There are already numerous different TBT–free products/technologies offered on the market. Many of these however are closely related to the TBT–free technologies launched in the early 1990s.
“During the last 15 years a number of breakthrough innovations have been made in both resin technology and active ingredients. Most of this knowledge however has been applied to ‘premium’ range antifoulings.
“Jotun recognised the need to further develop the category of products based upon the experience gained with its highly successful SeaQuantum range and directed resources into the innovative development of the remaining, less costly, part of the antifouling range. Its objectives were to improve performance/predictability in order to meet the demands from an increasing number of users.
”Designed to replace the full Jotun hydrating range, the SeaForce range achieves improved antifouling performance and greater predictability without any cost increase. A continuing focus on innovation created the opportunity to improve the existing hydrating technology three steps further – the SeaForce range.”

Big China contract
Among major contracts Jotun won this year was one to paint 80 vessels to be built at Dayang shipyard in China.
The total contract value is around $50 million, and includes a total volume of 10 million litres of paint to be supplied for 75 bulk carriers of 58,000 dwt and 5 LPG vessels of 16,600 cu m.
Dayang Shipyard is a middle-size shipyard along the Yangtze River. Jotun said in March it had gained a market share of almost 90 per cent at the shipyard.
Link with honoured vessel
A vessel that won Offshore Support Journal’s (OSJ) prestigious award, “Ship of the Year 2008,” was treated with Jotun paints.
Island Constructor was built at Ulstein Shipyard in Ulsteinvik, Norway. The prize is shared by the ship owner and all the suppliers of equipment.
“Jotun is proud to be the paint supplier for this advanced offshore vessel. Many state-of-the-art products were used, including SeaQuantum Ultra, Hardtop PS5 and Jotacote Universal,” the company commented.
”Many advanced vessel are being built within the offshore sector today. It is therefore a great honour that OSJ found Island Constructor worthy of this prestigious award.”
The CEO of Ulstein Group, Guvor Ulstein, said: “The co-operation between Jotun and the shipyard went smoothly during the whole outfitting period.”
Ulstein also won this prestigious award from OSJ in 2006 with the anchor handler Bourbon Orca – the first vessel delivered with the characteristic Ulstein X-Bow. This vessel was also painted with products from Jotun. For example, all internal areas were successfully painted with waterborne systems.