The MarineLINE system offers improved cargo flexibility, allowing vessels to handle a broader range of chemicals with shorter cleaning time and reduced risk of contamination. It also extends the lifespan of the coating, reducing the need for frequent maintenance or recoating in the near future.
All work was carried out at Chengxi Shipyard in China, with each vessel undergoing around 70 days of coating preparation and application. During this period, the vessels were out of commercial service, an operational pause that reflects a strategic decision to prioritize long-term performance, safety, and cargo integrity.
“This project is a strong example of Odfjell’s long-term approach to proactive maintenance and asset reliability. By investing time and resources up front, and by working to the highest technical standards, we strengthen the foundation of our fleet, one tank at a time,” says Christopher Stene, Project lead and Manager Material Protection at Odfjell.
MarineLINE 784 is known for its strong chemical resistance and durability, earning it the nickname “liquid stainless steel.” But those qualities can only be achieved through rigorous surface preparation and precise application. Some steps of the process:
- Full staging inside the tanks
- Complete removal of old coatings
- Controlled environmental conditions during application
- Over 1,000 coating thickness measurements per tank
- Final inspection and defect correction before completion
This coating upgrade project is complex in many ways. When you’re inspecting over 28,000 square meters of tank surface, searching for remnants of old coating or microscopic defects, sometimes smaller than the eye of a needle, you begin to grasp the discipline and attention to detail needed to prepare for this high-performance coating,” Christopher comments.
The scale of the work demanded close coordination between Odfjell’s team, the shipyard, and external coating specialists. Quality control was maintained at every stage, from surface preparation to final inspection, ensuring the coating would deliver maximum performance in the years to come.
