International Paint Shanghai Celebrates 35 Years in China

Marine and protective coatings brand International, part of AkzoNobel, celebrated its 35th year anniversary in China during an event in Shanghai in October 2024.

First registered and founded in 1989 in partnership with Shanghai Huayi Fine Chemicals and China State Shipbuilding Equipment & Materials Corporation Ltd, International Paint of Shanghai Co., Ltd. has since established three production facilities in China, 17 distribution centers, and employs over 100 technical service staff to help support the growth of China’s maritime industry.

AkzoNobel celebrates a long and successful history in China, just as the market is growing exponentially. According to Clarksons’ Shipping Intelligence Network, Chinese shipyards now hold a 56 per cent share of the global order book having reached record levels in October 2024.

As global shipping demand rises, especially for crude oil and natural gas, China is expected to continue dominating global shipbuilding and become a significant player in ship repairs and maintenance.

During an event commemorating its 35th anniversary, International Paint of Shanghai celebrated its key achievements in China with employees, senior leaders at AkzoNobel, key stakeholders, and partners in attendance. Notable milestones include Adora Magic City, the first large cruise ship to be built in China with its Intersmooth® fouling control coating technology, the opening of its factory in Pudong in 1994 and the R&D laboratory in Shanghai in 2005, as well as securing ISO14001 Accreditation in 2001.

Earlier this month, International Paint of Shanghai was awarded the Gold Supplier Award for 2023, issued by China Shipbuilding Corporation Ltd (CSSC). The Gold Supplier Award recognizes outstanding contributions to safeguarding the anti-corrosion, anti-rust and aesthetic properties of ships built by CSSC. It is awarded to companies demonstrating customer-focused innovation and industry leadership on sustainable practices.

Looking ahead to the future, International Paint of Shanghai has continued ambitions to support the growth prospects and success of the Chinese maritime industry, in addition to its own goals of reaching 50 per cent of revenue from sustainable solutions, 50 per cent reductions in operations across the value chain, and 100 per cent circular use of materials by 2030.

Simon Parker, AkzoNobel’s Marine, Protective and Yacht Coatings Business Director, who attended the anniversary event, said: “The 35-year anniversary of International Paint of Shanghai in China is not just a celebration of the past, but a commitment to its future. The event reaffirmed that the journey for International Paint of Shanghai is far from over. With the continued support of our dedicated workforce and strategic partners, we are poised to reach even greater heights in the next 35 years and beyond.”