China relies on AkzoNobel’s industry-leading coatings solution to protect its new polar icebreaker

China relies on AkzoNobel’s industry-leading coatings solution to protect its new polar icebreaker

(PRESS RELEASE) AMSTERDAM, 29-Aug-2019 — /EuropaWire/ — AkzoNobel‘s industry-leading coatings solution selected by Polar Research Institute of China to protect its first domestically built polar icebreaker, Xue Long 2 from harsh Arctic and Antarctic condition.

Xue Long 2, a 12,366 ton research vessel is built to cope with thick ice sheets and the extreme challenges of polar exploration. It is coated with Intershield 163 Inerta 160 from the International® product range. The abrasion resistant system is tried and tested with proven 47-year track record of performing in temperatures as low as -50°C and has already been used on more than 1,600 ships and icebreakers around the world.

Jean-Michel Gauthier, Managing Director of AkzoNobel’s Marine and Protective Coatings business, commented: “As a pioneer in providing best-in-class marine coatings and solutions globally we’re thrilled to have worked with the Polar Research Institute of China to provide coatings for the Xue Long 2. We’re delighted that the proven performance of our International brand has been recognized, along with our long track record and extensive experience.”

AkzoNobel’s products have been used throughout the exterior and interior of the new icebreaker. The specially developed system for ice-going vessels, Intershield 163 Inerta 160 has been applied to the bottom and sides of the hull. The system offers outstanding surface smoothness to maximize agility and icebreaking efficiency and excellent anti-corrosion properties, high durability and strong resistance to shocks and cracking.

Gauthier added: “We’re proud to be involved in such an important project. It highlights how we’re strengthening our customer focus and taking further strides to becoming recognized as the reference in the industry.”

The Xue Long 2 is expected to improve China’s ability to conduct inspections in polar areas. It has greater structural strength than what was previously China’s sole icebreaker Xue Long (which translates as Snow Dragon). The new icebreaker is equipped with two-way icebreaking ability and is fitted out with more than 7,000 “intelligent” sensory points, which can collect friction data and other information to provide a reference for designs and the manufacture of new ships in the future.

Xue Long 2 is expected to take on its first mission (which will be China’s 36th Antarctic expedition) later this year.

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SOURCE: Akzo Nobel N.V.