Akzonobel Introduces Pioneering Software For Shipping Industry

SINGAPORE, April 17 (Bernama) -- AkzoNobel has introduced the shipping industry's first digital tool that enables operators to accurately assess and predict the risk of hull fouling, depending on which routes are being traded. AkzoNobel is a leading global paints and coatings' company and major producer of specialty chemicals. Developed by the company's Marine Coatings business, Intertrac, analyses various data streams to draw up an accurate fouling risk profile. This can then be used to tailor a coatings system to a vessel's specific route, helping to maximise operational efficiencies and reduce costs, it said in a statement. Commenting on the software, Conrad Keijzer, AkzoNobel's Executive Committee member responsible for Performance Coatings said: "This is a valuable tool that enables us to recommend optimal fouling control coating specifications, which in turn helps to generate major cost savings for customers." The Intertrac software will also help AkzoNobel to refine future product development as more and more is learned about both the marine environment in different parts of the world and how it affects different vessels. Having been in operation for a number of months, Intertrac has caught the attention of a major oil company, which has asked for a fleet-wide fouling risk assessment across all of its ships. AkzoNobel's Marine Coatings business supplies advanced international coatings to the worldwide shipping industry, including renowned product lines such as Intersleek, Intercept and Intershield. AkzoNobel portfolio includes well known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International and Eka. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, it is consistently ranked as one of the leaders in sustainability. --BERNAMA