Overview
Offshore new construction coating refers to the protective coating systems applied to structures, equipment, and components during the construction phase of offshore oil and gas platforms, wind turbines, subsea infrastructure, and other marine installations.
Key Considerations
Environmental Conditions
- Saltwater immersion/splash zones
- Atmospheric corrosion
- UV radiation exposure
- Temperature fluctuations
- Microbial corrosion
- Abrasion from sand/sediment
Common Substrates
- Carbon steel structures
- Stainless steel components
- Concrete foundations
- Aluminum equipment
Coating Systems
Typical Systems for Offshore Structures
Primers:
- Epoxy zinc-rich primers
- Polyurethane primers
- High-build epoxy primers
Intermediate Coats:
- High-build epoxy coatings
- Glass flake reinforced epoxy
Topcoats:
- Polyurethane finishes (for UV protection)
- Polysiloxane hybrid coatings
- Fluoropolymer coatings for extreme conditions
Specialized Coatings
- Splash zone coatings: High-build epoxy or elastomeric systems
- Submerged zone coatings: Anti-fouling or corrosion-resistant systems
- Fireproof coatings: Intumescent systems for structural protection
Application Methods
- Airless spray (most common)
- Conventional spray
- Brush and roller (for small areas/touch-ups)
- Plural component spray for fast-cure systems
Industry Standards
- NORSOK M-501 (Surface preparation and protective coating)
- ISO 12944 (Corrosion protection of steel structures)
- SSPC (Society for Protective Coatings) standards
- NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) standards
Quality Control
- Surface preparation verification (typically Sa 2.5 or better)
- Dry film thickness (DFT) measurements
- Adhesion testing
- Holiday detection for immersion service
- Environmental condition monitoring (temperature, humidity, dew point)
Emerging Trends
- High-solids and VOC-compliant coatings
- Nanotechnology-enhanced coatings
- Self-healing coating systems
- More durable fluoropolymer topcoats
- Digital monitoring of coating performance
