David Savastano, Contributing Editor05.14.25
As a leader in the field of internal and external robotic field joint coating services, CRTS Global’s advances can be found in numerous applications, including pipelines, water utilities and refineries. CRTS recently added RAE Energy’s coatings business, which is focused on external field joint coating capabilities. Bryan Kirchmer, CRTS Global’s president, discusses CRTS’ recent developments and its plans for the coming years.
Coatings World: What is the history behind CRTS Global?
Bryan Kirchmer: CRTS Global is a world leader in internal and external field joint coating applications, with more than 40 years of experience. The company has pioneered advancements in robotic coating technology, specializing in internal coatings for pipelines, refineries, and plant piping systems.
Coatings World: What are the key markets that CRTS Global serves?
Bryan Kirchmer: Headquartered in Dubai, CRTS Global serves a worldwide customer base with a strong presence in key offshore and onshore markets, including Brazil, Guyana, the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, the North Sea, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Customers include general contractors, barge owners, international and national oil companies (IOCs and NOCs), mining companies, water utilities, and other operators of critical pipeline infrastructure.
Coatings World: What led to the acquisition of RAE Energy’s coatings business, and how will this benefit customers?
Bryan Kirchmer: The acquisition of RAE Energy’s coatings business was a strategic move to create the only company capable of providing complete internal and external pipeline field joint coating services on a global scale. This acquisition strengthens CRTS Global’s technical capabilities, broadens its geographical reach, and enables it to deliver a fully integrated solution for customers. Clients will benefit from greater operational efficiency, enhanced project value, and a broader range of coating services.
Coatings World: What differentiates CRTS Global from its competitors?
Bryan Kirchmer: CRTS Global stands out by offering fully integrated internal and external field joint coatings — a capability no other competitor has. Other key differentiators include:
• More than three million field joints coated globally.
• A fleet of more than 500 remote-operated coating machines.
• Leadership in robotic and automation technologies for coating applications.
• Proven expertise in both offshore and onshore sectors.
CRTS' ability to combine technical innovation with operational excellence enables it to deliver faster, safer, and more cost-effective solutions.
Coatings World: Is CRTS Global enjoying good growth in its markets?
Bryan Kirchmer: Industry trends show increasing capital expenditure on pipeline coatings, with the internal pipe coating market expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2026 to 2033. Offshore pipeline projects — a key market for CRTS — are projected to reach $18.7 billion by 2027. CRTS’ strategic acquisition of RAE Energy’s coatings business further accelerates its growth trajectory by expanding its service portfolio and geographic footprint.
Coatings World: What are CRTS Global’s latest products?
Bryan Kirchmer: CRTS Global’s newly expanded offering now includes:
• Internal robotic field joint coating solutions.
• External field joint coating services such as:
• IMPP (Injection Moulded Polypropylene).
• EMPU (Extruded Multi-layer Polyurethane).
• IMPU (Injection Moulded Polyurethane).
• PUF (Polyurethane Foam).
• Flame spray PP/PE.
• Patented rapid 3LPP/3LPE WehoCoat.
• Specialized custom coatings.
This enables CRTS to deliver complete corrosion protection solutions for pipelines globally.
Coatings World: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Bryan Kirchmer: CRTS Global is leading the future of complete pipeline coating solutions. By integrating the external expertise contained in RAE Energy’s coatings business with its own leadership in robotic internal coatings, CRTS is setting a new benchmark for the industry. The company’s strategic focus on innovation, regional development, sustainability, and operational excellence will continue to drive customer value and industry leadership.
Coatings World: What is the history behind CRTS Global?
Bryan Kirchmer: CRTS Global is a world leader in internal and external field joint coating applications, with more than 40 years of experience. The company has pioneered advancements in robotic coating technology, specializing in internal coatings for pipelines, refineries, and plant piping systems.
Coatings World: What are the key markets that CRTS Global serves?
Bryan Kirchmer: Headquartered in Dubai, CRTS Global serves a worldwide customer base with a strong presence in key offshore and onshore markets, including Brazil, Guyana, the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa, the North Sea, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Customers include general contractors, barge owners, international and national oil companies (IOCs and NOCs), mining companies, water utilities, and other operators of critical pipeline infrastructure.
Coatings World: What led to the acquisition of RAE Energy’s coatings business, and how will this benefit customers?
Bryan Kirchmer: The acquisition of RAE Energy’s coatings business was a strategic move to create the only company capable of providing complete internal and external pipeline field joint coating services on a global scale. This acquisition strengthens CRTS Global’s technical capabilities, broadens its geographical reach, and enables it to deliver a fully integrated solution for customers. Clients will benefit from greater operational efficiency, enhanced project value, and a broader range of coating services.
Coatings World: What differentiates CRTS Global from its competitors?
Bryan Kirchmer: CRTS Global stands out by offering fully integrated internal and external field joint coatings — a capability no other competitor has. Other key differentiators include:
• More than three million field joints coated globally.
• A fleet of more than 500 remote-operated coating machines.
• Leadership in robotic and automation technologies for coating applications.
• Proven expertise in both offshore and onshore sectors.
CRTS' ability to combine technical innovation with operational excellence enables it to deliver faster, safer, and more cost-effective solutions.
Coatings World: Is CRTS Global enjoying good growth in its markets?
Bryan Kirchmer: Industry trends show increasing capital expenditure on pipeline coatings, with the internal pipe coating market expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2026 to 2033. Offshore pipeline projects — a key market for CRTS — are projected to reach $18.7 billion by 2027. CRTS’ strategic acquisition of RAE Energy’s coatings business further accelerates its growth trajectory by expanding its service portfolio and geographic footprint.
Coatings World: What are CRTS Global’s latest products?
Bryan Kirchmer: CRTS Global’s newly expanded offering now includes:
• Internal robotic field joint coating solutions.
• External field joint coating services such as:
• IMPP (Injection Moulded Polypropylene).
• EMPU (Extruded Multi-layer Polyurethane).
• IMPU (Injection Moulded Polyurethane).
• PUF (Polyurethane Foam).
• Flame spray PP/PE.
• Patented rapid 3LPP/3LPE WehoCoat.
• Specialized custom coatings.
This enables CRTS to deliver complete corrosion protection solutions for pipelines globally.
Coatings World: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Bryan Kirchmer: CRTS Global is leading the future of complete pipeline coating solutions. By integrating the external expertise contained in RAE Energy’s coatings business with its own leadership in robotic internal coatings, CRTS is setting a new benchmark for the industry. The company’s strategic focus on innovation, regional development, sustainability, and operational excellence will continue to drive customer value and industry leadership.
