What's Happening?
AkzoNobel's marine coatings brand, International, has introduced a new product, Intergard 6788, an aluminum-pigmented universal primer designed for the global newbuilding market. The launch is set to occur at the Asia Pacific Maritime conference in Singapore,
with initial availability in China and Vietnam. This primer utilizes epoxy technology to achieve a higher solids content, aligning with stringent global Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) regulations. The product aims to enhance productivity and reduce costs for shipyards by improving application efficiency, minimizing material loss, and reducing paint waste. On-site validation at a major Chinese shipyard demonstrated superior application performance compared to other high-solids coatings, offering stable and predictable results that simplify planning and reduce operational complexity.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of Intergard 6788 is significant for the shipbuilding industry, particularly in Asia, which is the largest producer of new build vessels. The product's compliance with global VOC regulations and its efficiency in application can lead to cost savings and increased productivity for shipyards. This is crucial as Chinese shipyards, which secured 63% of the global market share for new ships in 2025, continue to dominate the industry. The primer's ability to enhance shipbuilding efficiency could further solidify China's position as a leader in the global shipbuilding market. Additionally, as Vietnam and other Asian economies expand their shipbuilding capabilities, products like Intergard 6788 could support their growth and competitiveness in the industry.
What's Next?
The launch of Intergard 6788 at the Asia Pacific Maritime conference marks the beginning of its availability in key markets like China and Vietnam. As shipyards adopt this new primer, it is expected to influence shipbuilding practices by promoting more efficient and environmentally compliant processes. The product's success in these markets could lead to broader adoption across other regions, potentially setting new standards for primer performance in the shipbuilding industry. Stakeholders, including shipbuilders and regulatory bodies, will likely monitor the product's impact on operational efficiency and environmental compliance closely.
