He highlights Jotun's work with VLCC owners, the navy fleet, and offshore support vessel operators in Saudi Arabia. He also notes the growing potential of the Saudi maritime market, particularly with the construction of the new Ras Al-Khair shipyard and International Maritime Industries (IMI) facility.
Seatrade Maritime: Could you update us on maritime activities by Jotun in Saudi Arabia in the last 12 months?
Rashed AlGhamdi: In the previous 12 months, we have been working hard with the VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) owners as well as the navy fleet and offshore support vessels which we believe have potential in this region.
Saudi Arabia is a new growing market, especially with the newly constructed yard and Ras Al-Khair, International Maritime Industries (IMI).
SM: How can coatings help shipping to meet its decarbonisation targets by reducing fuel consumption? Does Jotun have any specific products for this?
Rashed: The coatings have a significant role when it comes to the fuel consumption inside the vessel and can save up to 30% by using anti-fouling coatings.
Jotun is following the market. We R&D new products all the time to make sure they are aligned with the International Maritime Organization's ambitious 2050 targets for decarbonisation.
SM: What is the outlook for Jotun in the maritime business in GCC over the next 12 months?
Rashed: The market is booming. New projects, newbuild ships are being constructed here. This is a promising market.
Also, the economic growth in this region is booming. Saudi Arabia is one of the G20 countries that has the second largest economic growth after India, which shows that so many industries are moving to the market and that is helping to serve the local demand instead of outsourcing from outside the region.
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