Page 36: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (May/Jun 2025)

35 37

GOING GREEN BIOFOULING CONTROL "The splash zone is one of the most critical areas for offshore assets due to its complexity with fluctuating seawater levels and continuous exposure to seawater.” – SCOTT KIM,

GLOBAL SOLUTIONS MANAGER FOR WIND

ENERGY, JOTUN PERFORMANCE COATINGS

Coatings used in the splash zone must possess mechanical resistance properties that can withstand constant wave action and floating debris.

Images courtesy of Jotun offshore assets due to its complexity with fuctuating sea- He cites as an example case where DNV inspected sec- water levels and continuous exposure to seawater,” says tions of jacket from a North Sea oil platform which was

Scott Kim, Global Solutions Manager for Wind Energy, installed in 1972 and decommissioned in 2020. Jotun’s

Jotun Performance Coatings. This exposure can compro- coating was applied to the platform in the late 1980s and, mise the integrity of both offshore oil and gas rigs and despite over 30 years’ exposure to the North Sea’s harsh wind farms. Coatings used in the splash zone must pos- environment, it was intact, still smooth and showing no sess mechanical resistance properties that can withstand signs of delamination.

constant wave action and foating debris, as well as natu- If you don't have an asset that can last for a long, long ral disasters like typhoons. time without maintenance, it is not really that sustainable, “Cleaning in the splash zone is not a priority, as the fo- says Kim. “It is estimated that steel production is respon- cus is to equip assets with the right coatings to avoid cor- sible for as much as 9% of global emissions, around 3.5 rosion – meaning less maintenance,” says Kim. “This is billion tons of CO2 every year, so we are talking about a a proactive approach, which is proven over many years.” massive impact by just taking care of these assets.” 36 OFFSHORE ENGINEER OEDIGITAL.COM