Germany’s Steelpaint has delivered its Stelcatec corrosion resistant coating system for trial application to a range of cranes at the Port of Chennai, marking the German manufacturer’s first return to the Indian market in more than 16 years.

The company, known for supplying high-performance protective coatings to ports and shipyards across Europe, confirmed that its Stelcatec LPR primer and Stelcatec LTC topcoat have been shipped to India for application to RTGs and ship-to-shore cranes.

The field trial is due to start this month in cooperation with New Delhi-based Kaptel Overseas, Steelpaint’s newly established regional partner which has been serving the Indian market since 1993.

Steelpaint Director Frank Müller said the development represents a strategic milestone in the company’s global expansion. “After many years away from India, we are very pleased to be back with a trusted local partner. Our Stelcatec system has delivered outstanding results in Germany’s major seaports, and we are confident it can help operators in Chennai and across the sub-Continent extend asset life and reduce maintenance costs.”

Steelpaint’s coatings have already been proven on ship-to-shore cranes and container handling equipment in Hamburg, Wilhelmshaven and Cuxhaven, where durability under harsh marine conditions is essential. The Stelcatec system, engineered to combine ease of application with resistance to corrosion, has gained traction among terminal operators seeking longer maintenance cycles.

India’s expanding port sector is now seeking similar outcomes. Operators face challenging environments, with high salinity, heat and humidity creating rapid degradation of steel assets. For shipowners and terminal operators alike, reliable equipment availability is a crucial factor in maintaining schedule integrity.

“The Indian market is price sensitive, but we believe our field trial will show that using high-performance protective coatings is an investment rather than an expense,” Müller said. “Extending intervals between maintenance cycles means less downtime, greater safety and better operational efficiency.”

Kaptel Overseas represents multiple international equipment suppliers and is focused on delivering new technologies to Indian terminals.

Nishanth Maliyekkal, CEO of Kaptel, said: “India is investing heavily in its maritime sector, with new projects such as the Vizhinjam International Seaport and a $1 trillion infrastructure roadmap that will transform port operations nationwide. The government’s Indian Ports Bill, 2025 has also reinforced the sector’s focus on modernisation and sustainability. As such, we see strong potential for Steelpaint in India as its coatings technology not only improves asset durability and availability but can withstand the toughest maritime conditions.”

The company’s re-entry into India coincides with its participation at INMEX India in Mumbai from 10–12 September, its first appearance at the maritime exhibition in nearly two decades. Steelpaint will use the show to demonstrate how coatings can reduce cost, improve efficiency, and support sustainability across the shipping and port value chain.

“Being present at INMEX India is important for us,” Müller said. “It shows that Steelpaint is committed to the Indian market and ready to engage directly with port authorities, terminal operators, ship managers and shipyards.”

Steelpaint expects that a successful Chennai trial will open further opportunities across India’s container and bulk ports, as well as in the ship repair and newbuild sectors.