Page 20: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (January 2024)

TECH FEATURE

Figure 4. The vessel’s cargo holds feature Figure 5. The walls of the cargo holds

All images courtesy of The Interlake Steamship Company ? at bottoms that accommodate the use bene? t from a zinc-based coating that of heavy machinery, which necessitated provides durability in an area exposed to advanced coatings systems to protect these stressors that include loose cargo loaded areas from damage. from a few dozen feet.

and cathodic protection to the steel substrate. barrier against humidity and corrosive elements. It not only

The primer is also stable and durable in challenging envi- prevents substrate deterioration but also resists yellowing.

ronments with mechanical stress – standing up to the front- The vessel incorporates a distinctive tunnel below its cargo end loaders in the vessel’s cargo holds (Figure 4) and the im- holds, spanning nearly the entire length of the ship. Cargoes pact of cargoes loaded from signi? cant heights (Figure 5). The enter through small channels at the holds’ bottom and are coating’s self-healing properties provide protective qualities transported to the top for unloading on a rubber belt. A unique when subjected to minor abrasions or scratches, enhancing coatings system was crucial to withstand corrosive bulk car- overall longevity. goes, particularly salt, in these tight areas. Despite its typical

Adding an extra layer of protection, SeaGuard 6000 was ap- use in tank linings, Nova-Plate 360 was chosen to protect the plied to the walls of the cargo holds. A versatile two-compo- tunnel’s ? oors and walls, showcasing its versatility and effec- nent, modi? ed epoxy coating, it combats corrosion and excels tiveness in addressing the boat’s speci? c challenges.

in both saltwater and freshwater environments. The coating also “Cargoes are introduced into a very small area,” said adheres well in moisture-rich and low-temperature conditions – Hanning, “and that’s incredibly hard to ? x once corrosion critical for ship maintenance during cold-weather months. starts – so it’s essential to keep it intact.”

SeaGuard 6000 was the “workhorse on the rest of the boat,” Nova-Plate 360, a versatile ? ake-reinforced novolac-based said Hanning, “especially areas not exposed to major UV coating, excels in abrasive environments, offering robust cor- light,” which included living and common spaces, and ? oors rosion protection. Infused with PTFE (Te? on) to enhance – with Seaguard 1000 serving as the topcoat throughout. abrasion resistance, it provides an additional layer of defense,

SeaGuard 1000 – a single-component, high-gloss marine extending coated surfaces’ service life.

enamel coating – boasts fast-drying, rust-inhibitive properties, After an SSPC-SP 10 blast and the application of zinc prim- and enduring color stability. Even when exposed to exterior er, Nova-Plate 360 was applied, incorporating stripe coating conditions, it maintains vibrant color, acting as a protective where needed. Single-leg sprayers were used to apply a single 20 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • January 2024

MR #1 (18-33).indd 20 1/9/2024 12:29:52 PM