KCC and HD Hyundai Jointly Develop Eco-Friendly Water-Based Marine Coatings

Water-Based Anti-Corrosion Coating for Ship Dry Spaces
Joint Development of Heat-Blocking and Insulating Coatings for LNG Carriers

KCC announced on November 6 that it has jointly developed water-based marine coating technology in partnership with the four HD Hyundai shipbuilding companies (HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, and HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries).

This coating is a water-based anti-corrosion product that can be applied to dry spaces on ships. Compared to conventional solvent-based coatings, it offers a shorter drying time, which helps reduce the work process. It is also notable for significantly lowering volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. KCC and HD Hyundai are currently seeking eco-friendly coating certification for this product.

Aerial photo of an LNG carrier to which the thermal barrier coating jointly developed by KCC and HD Hyundai has been applied. Photo by KCC

Another major achievement is the joint development of heat-blocking and insulating coatings for LNG carriers. These coatings block external radiant heat and reduce thermal conductivity, thereby suppressing the generation of boil-off gas (BOG) that occurs when LNG vaporizes. By applying high-reflectivity heat-shielding pigments, the coating maintains stable performance even under high-temperature and long-duration operating conditions.

The two companies expect that this development will help secure a technological edge in the global shipbuilding market, strengthening both order competitiveness and regulatory compliance capabilities once full-scale commercialization begins. In particular, the combination of water-based anti-corrosion coatings for dry spaces and optimized insulating coatings for LNG carriers is anticipated to serve as a meaningful differentiator as the shipbuilding industry moves toward carbon neutrality.

A KCC representative stated, "Water-based coatings for dry spaces and heat-blocking and insulating coatings required for LNG carriers mark a new turning point in marine coating technology for the shipbuilding industry," adding, "Amid strengthening IMO environmental regulations, this development is significant in building trust with global customers."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.