• Deal will see APC’s MarineLINE coating system initially applied to four product and chemical tankers with IMO II classification
• MarineLINE’s superior chemical resistance properties, ease and speed of cleaning were all considerations in Champion’s decision
• Deal comes after APC achieved its best ever year of trading in 2024 with an 18 per cent sales increase.

AVON, OHIO headquartered manufacturer Advanced Polymer Coatings ) has been chosen to provide its high-performance MarineLINE coating for up to six new vessels being built for Champion Tankers.

The deal will see APC’s MarineLINE coating system initially applied to four product and chemical tankers with IMO II classification that will be constructed at the Chengxi Shipyard in China.

Work on the first vessel for the privately owned Norwegian tanker group is set to get underway at the end of this year, with three others planned for 2026. There is also an option to build two more tankers at the yard.

Champion Tankers was established more than two decades ago by Karl L Kvalheim and Arne Viste, experienced and successful shipbrokers within the clean petroleum products and chemical chartering business.

The company focuses on shipping vegoils, liquid fertilizers, easy chemicals and molasses, as well as Clean Petroleum Products (CPP). It specialises in the commercial operation of “Medium Range” Tankers with IMO type 2/3 Classification.

MarineLINE’s superior chemical resistance properties, ease and speed of cleaning, and the reduced risk of contamination from previous cargoes, were all considerations in Champions coating choice.

APC’s strong commitment to customer care was another big factor in clinching the work. It is the company’s first deal with Champion and the latest in a growing pipeline of work confirmed at the start of 2025.

Captain Onur Yildirim, APC Global Marine Manager said: “The deal to supply Champion Tankers is the latest indication of the growing demand for MarineLINE from vessel operators.

“They are finding the case for MarineLINE compelling. It protects cargo tanks from more IMO approved chemicals than any other coating. And due to its high resistance, high gloss finish and low absorption, it is much faster to clean meaning it outperforms stainless steel and epoxy coatings.

“Faster cleaning times enable quicker ship turnaround, which in turn can free up additional sailing days, all improving the performance, earning ability and profitability of the vessel. There is also a strong environmental argument for MarineLINE’s use.

“Its superior resistance, that ease of cleaning, and ability to switch seamlessly between chemical cargoes are all proving key factors when it comes to decision making.”

The Champion Tanker deal is the latest major fleet operator contract win for APC. In 2024 APC scored its best ever year of trading with an 18 per cent sales spike including new build and recoating deals.

APC now has around 12 per cent of the global chemical tanker coating market with some 700 ships worldwide coated with MarineLINE. Exports underpin APC’s growth with key markets, including China, the Gulf, Croatia, and Turkey.

To cater to the growing demand for MarineLINE, APC is currently doubling the size of its US factory with a multi-million dollar, eight figure expansion project. It represents APC’s biggest investment in its 27-year history.