What's Happening?
Advanced Polymer Coatings (APC), based in Ohio, has successfully completed the first application of its MarineLINE coating system on a Jones Act vessel in a U.S. shipyard. This project marks the first conversion
of an articulated tug-barge (ATB) from a petroleum to a chemical barge in the United States, featuring a newly designed stainless steel cargo system. The conversion took place over 19 months at Gulf Marine Repair shipyard in Tampa, Florida, involving over 5,000 gallons of MarineLINE coating and more than 200 workers. The project was managed by Bob Kunkel of Amtech, representing Marathon Asset Management, which purchased the vessel. The conversion cost was significantly lower than building a new ATB, driven by changing market conditions and the increasing volume of chemical cargoes entering the U.S.
Why It's Important?
The successful application of MarineLINE on a U.S. vessel is significant for the maritime industry, particularly in the context of increasing chemical cargo volumes and a shortage of specialized vessels. MarineLINE's ability to handle aggressive cargoes like methanol and biofuels without extensive recovery time offers a competitive advantage. This development could lead to more conversions of existing vessels, enhancing the U.S. fleet's capacity to transport diverse chemical products. The project also positions Gulf Marine Repair as a leader in applying MarineLINE, potentially attracting more business to the Tampa area and supporting the local economy.
What's Next?
With the successful completion of this project, Gulf Marine Repair is poised to undertake more conversions of ATBs to chemical carriers, especially as demand for such vessels grows. The expertise gained from this project could also be applied to the construction of new MR tankers in the U.S. The collaboration between APC, Amtech, and Gulf Marine Repair may lead to further innovations in vessel conversions, potentially expanding the use of MarineLINE in other U.S. shipyards.
Beyond the Headlines
The introduction of MarineLINE in the U.S. market could have long-term implications for the maritime industry, promoting more sustainable and efficient transportation of chemical cargoes. The coating's resistance to over 5,000 chemical products and its ease of cleaning could reduce operational costs and environmental impact. This innovation aligns with broader industry trends towards more flexible and environmentally friendly shipping solutions.
