AkzoNobel, the world’s leading supplier of marine and yacht coatings, has been announced as the official Boatyard supplier for the 2017-18 Volvo Ocean Race. As the exclusive coatings supplier for the prestigious competition, AkzoNobel will provide their International and Awlgrip range of products to all the yachts competing in the race.
All the participating yachts including team AkzoNobel’s brand new Volvo Ocean 65 have already been through an extensive refit process and coated with Awlgrip products, while the keel on each boat is protected with International coatings.
Unique custom colours developed for every team in the race will showcase AkzoNobel’s expertise to a huge global audience. Once the race starts in October, the company will supply all the coatings required for repairs and maintenance at each of the stopovers.
Alberto Slikta, Managing Director of AkzoNobel’s Specialty Coatings business, observes that the race is the ultimate test of performance and the perfect showcase for the company’s market-leading products.
AkzoNobel’s International yacht business will also provide technical expertise and, when required, will supervise the coatings application process during pit stops between races.
Extensive preparations for the race are currently on at the permanent Volvo Ocean Race Boatyard in Lisbon, Portugal. A massive logistical operation will see the Boatyard travel to all stopovers around the world during the race. The route for the 2017-18 race will visit some of the most remote and inhospitable areas of the world’s oceans with the boats having to deal with extreme weather conditions, from freezing cold and raging gales to sweltering heat, requiring AkzoNobel’s coatings to be tough and durable.
Due to start in Alicante, Spain on October 22, the race is scheduled to finish in The Hague, the Netherlands, in June 2018.
Interpon Powder Coatings is part of the AkzoNobel group.
