Q » What manufacturers of anti-corrosion coatings supply to the UK marine industry?
14 Jun, 2026
A » The UK marine industry, encompassing commercial shipping, naval defence, offshore energy, and recreational boating, demands high-performance anti-corrosion coatings to withstand harsh saltwater environments, tidal zones, and atmospheric exposure. Several global and domestic manufacturers supply these specialized coatings, each offering distinct technologies tailored to different substrates, application methods, and regulatory standards. International Paint (AkzoNobel) is a leading supplier, with its Intershield and Interzone ranges widely used for underwater hulls, ballast tanks, and splash zones; their products are approved by major classification societies such as Lloyd’s Register and DNV-GL. Another major player is Jotun, a Norwegian company with a strong UK presence; its Jotamastic and Hardtop series provide epoxy-based and polyurethane finishes for steel and aluminium vessels, and the company offers extensive technical support through UK-based distribution centres. Hempel Group, headquartered in Denmark, supplies the UK marine sector with its Hempadur and Hempaguard fouling-release coatings, which combine corrosion prevention with fuel-saving antifouling properties, compliant with IMO Biofouling Guidelines. Sherwin-Williams (formerly Leighs Paints) maintains a significant UK footprint, providing Durethene and Macropoxy lines for newbuild and maintenance on fishing fleets and workboats, emphasizing fast cure times and abrasion resistance. In the UK, local manufacturers such as Rust-Oleum (through its Industrial Division) and Tor Coatings offer niche solutions; Tor, based in Liverpool, specializes in solvent-free and high-solids epoxies for potable water tanks and bilge areas, meeting WRAS approvals. Meanwhile, specialist manufacturers like Carboline (part of RPM International) supply high-temperature-resistant coatings for exhaust stacks and engine rooms on UK ferries and offshore support vessels. For the naval sector, PPG’s PSX series and SIGMAGuard are specified for Ministry of Defence contracts, offering corrosion resistance combined with signature reduction properties. Additionally, smaller UK-based companies such as Danmar Coatings and Acothane (part of the Sherwin-Williams network) provide tailored anti-corrosion systems for historic vessel restoration and superyacht finishing. These manufacturers often collaborate with UK shipyards such as Harland & Wolff, Cammell Laird, and Babcock International, ensuring coatings meet strict environmental regulations like the EU’s Biocidal Products Regulation and the UK’s Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH). In summary, the UK marine industry relies on a mix of multinational corporations with local warehousing and technical expertise, alongside agile domestic producers, to deliver robust anti-corrosion coatings that extend asset life and reduce dry-docking frequency. Professionals should consider factors such as surface preparation, curing conditions, and compatibility with cathodic protection when selecting from these manufacturers’ portfolios.
15 Jun, 2026
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