Jotun, a global leader in marine coatings, is ready to launch its proven Jotacote Universal S120 primer to the worldwide market after three years of success in the North East Asian and West European market, according to a press release from the organization.

Jotacote Universal S120 is the world’s first PSPC approved single coat, solvent free system, with approvals since 2017. It has now been applied to a variety of vessels including 12 delivered vessels with six more under construction and an additional four projects secured. Customer feedback, Jotun reports, has exceeded all expectations. Jotun has by far the greatest number of applications for solvent free universal primer in the newbuild market, the press release notes. 

The solution, the first of its kind on the market, features patent pending Covallox^TM technology that incorporate covalent bonds in its chemistry on top of the already existing hydrogen bonds typical of conventional epoxy. This offers unrivalled substrate adhesion providing durability and anticorrosive properties targeted at lifetime protection of the vessel, particularly in the ballast tanks.

Dr Erik Risberg, Global Marketing Director, Jotun Marine Coatings, comments: “The response we’ve received from the market in North East Asia and West Europe illustrates the efficacy of Jotacote Universal S120 and the strong benefits it delivers to shipowners.” 

Although solvent free definitions can vary from market to market, Jotacote Universal S120 is a ‘true’ solvent free primer. This maximises its potential to reduce Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and CO₂ emissions. The single coat solvent free PSPC approved system of Jotacote Universal S120 further reduces complexity and production time improving shipbuilding efficiency by up to 43%. 

Further advantages are unlocked in terms of long-term performance, as Risberg explains: “Traditional solvent-borne coatings can become brittle over time, aging with both exposure to ballast water and the hot and humid conditions of laden vessels. However, with Covallox™ technology we can minimise the aging process and retain the coating’s original flexibility ensuring unbeatable durability and minimal maintenance throughout the vessel’s life cycle. This leads to compelling cost benefits, especially as, with less durable coatings, steel replacement is often necessary. But not with Jotacote Universal S120!”