Union Maritime selects tank coatings supplier for newbuilds 

Union Maritime has secured a multi-million-dollar deal with Advanced Polymer Coatings (APC) to coat its latest fleet of 16 chemical tankers with APC’s MarineLINE system. The agreement underlines Union Maritime’s ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact, as the UK-based shipowner looks to optimise its expanding fleet for the demands of modern chemical transport.

Union Maritime has a current fleet of 31 diverse vessels, including 18 tankers ranging from 7,700-dwt to 105,000-dwt. The orderbook comprises 41 vessels, of which 39 are tankers, including the 16 chemical tankers which will have cargo tanks coated with APC’s MarineLINE system.

APC will supply approximately 170,000 litres of MarineLINE coating, which will be applied to Union Maritime’s 18,000-dwt chemical tankers currently under construction at two shipyards in China.

Six of the vessels will be built at Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding in Fuzhou, while the remaining 10 will be constructed at Wuhu Shipyard in Anhui Province.

APC’s engineering team in China, led by He Liangxing, will oversee the coating’s application, ensuring the vessels are fitted with MarineLINE’s advanced protective properties.

Union Maritime’s decision to incorporate MarineLINE into its newbuild programme aligns with its broader environmental objectives, which include a targeted 20% reduction in emissions by 2030, ahead of International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements.

APC European sales manager Peter Stoyles highlighted Union Maritime’s commitment to operational flexibility and environmental stewardship. “Union Maritime is aiming to cut emissions from its fleet by 20% by 2030 ahead of IMO targets. Union wants to trade flexibly, regularly switching high-grade chemicals, such as ethanols, methanol and used cooking oil between voyages,” he said.

The ability to switch cargoes quickly and efficiently is essential in the chemical tanker market, where time spent cleaning tanks can lead to delays and increased operating costs.

For Union Maritime, this partnership with APC is part of a broader strategy to implement advanced technologies that reduce emissions and enhance vessel performance.

The shipowner is not only focusing on efficient coatings but has also made recent investments in wind-assisted propulsion technologies, further underscoring its commitment to sustainability.