In the second half of 2015 application of Ecolock started on a newbuild Floating Storage and Regastification Unit (FSRU) in China. This is the second project carried out for EXMAR nv, after the application on the Caribbean FLNG in 2013.

Photo credit: Hydrex

Like the first project, the FSRU is built in blocks and these blocks are coated individually before assembly, leaving only the weld seams and the areas inaccessible due to the support blocks to be painted after the barge is assembled. The Ecolock system consists of a single, homogenous covering of the steel. Painting over weld seams after the blocks have been assembled is very easy. It leaves a smooth finished surface and the erection joint paint blends in perfectly with the coating of the rest of the hull.

As with all Ecolock applications, a trained and qualified paint inspector is on site monitoring the entire preparation and application to ensure adherence to the specifications at each step of the process and to assist with any problems that may arise. This is essential for a coating that is intended to last the life of the ship. Ecolock comes with a warranty as long as it is standardly applied and if the coating is maintained according to the specifications.

The application on the FSRU is scheduled to be finalized later this year with a planned delivery of the unit not much after.