Steelpaint Enhances Corrosion Protection for Min Hua 17
Germany’s Steelpaint has successfully applied its innovative Stelpant corrosion-protection system to the Min Hua 17, a 12,000 deadweight ton (dwt) multi-purpose cargo ship. This vessel is the latest addition to the Xiamen Minhua Shipping fleet and is set to enter service following the Lunar New Year. Min Hua 17 is the fourth ship in the fleet to utilize Steelpaint’s polyurethane-based zinc-rich primer, following the successful applications on Min Hua 9, Min Hua 15, and Min Hua 16, all constructed at the Fujian Donghai Shipyard.
The application of the Stelpant system has expanded beyond initial specifications. Originally, the coating was applied only in the cargo holds of Min Hua 9. However, positive results led to the inclusion of additional areas such as hatch covers and the main deck on subsequent vessels. Li Jianbin, General Manager of Xiamen Minhua Shipping, noted that the zinc primer remains effective even when the topcoat is damaged, significantly reducing maintenance costs by approximately 50% compared to other coatings.
Operational Success and Feedback
Operational feedback from Min Hua 15, which has been in service for a year, further supports the effectiveness of the Stelpant coating. The vessel has been transporting coal, general stores, and containers without any significant issues. During a scheduled inspection at the port of Lianyungang, the chief officer reported satisfaction with the coating’s condition. He emphasized that routine maintenance had decreased, and the need for frequent touch-up paint purchases had been eliminated.
All four vessels in the Min Hua series now feature tank tops and lower stools/hoppers protected by two coats of the Stelpant-PU-Zinc primer, each measuring 80 micrometers, topped with a 120-micrometer application of conventional epoxy. Other areas required only a single coat of the Stelpant primer. The high-solid formulation and finely meshed zinc pigments of Stelpant-PU-Zinc allow for application in temperatures ranging from -5°C to +50°C, even in humidity levels as high as 98%.
Steelpaint’s Director, Frank Müller, highlighted the importance of evaluating coating performance under real trading conditions. He noted that the expansion of protected areas on each successive vessel demonstrates the tangible benefits perceived by the owner. For multi-purpose vessels, where coating damage is common, maintaining primer integrity is crucial for both safety and longevity.
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Future Applications and Trials
Xiamen Minhua Shipping has confirmed plans to apply the Stelpant system to a new series of 12,000 and 17,000 dwt multi-purpose cargo newbuildings. Additionally, two other Chinese bulk carrier operators are currently trialing the corrosion protection system, indicating a growing interest in Steelpaint’s innovative solutions within the maritime industry.
As the shipping sector continues to prioritize durability and cost-effectiveness, the successful application of the Stelpant system on the Min Hua series may set a new standard for corrosion protection in multi-purpose vessels. The ongoing trials and future applications will likely provide further insights into the benefits of advanced coating technologies in maritime operations.
