Jotun recently completed testing of coating systems consistent with the new IMO PSPC rules for cargo oil tanks (COT), scheduled to come into force next year.

The new IMO PSPC rules for cargo oil tanks (COT) will go into effect January 2013. Focused on maintaining the long-term integrity of tanks, the new standard requires that all coatings used in the tanks must provide long-term protection against the corrosive effects of crude oil.

Jotun has successfully completed testing for coating systems at one of the IMO-approved test institutes—COT in the Netherlands—passing with several tank coating systems. Two test methods are utilized. The first test simulates the composition of the vapor phase in crude oil tanks both in ballast and in fully loaded condition. The second test simulates immersion in a crude oil tank with a model liquid developed to replicate some of the most corrosive crude oils.

According to Jorunn Holdhus Skovly, Jotun's product manager for tankcoatings, Jotun coating systems performed well in these rigorous tests. "Jotun welcomes the IMO regulations as they ensure a given standard for the whole coating process, from steel preparation to control measures," she said. "Type approval for coating systems ensures that our customers can trust they are selecting appropriate and high-performance coating systems, fit for purpose."