WEG Protects Aquaculture Vessel with High-Performance Coating Solutions

WEG’s Paints and Coatings division provided a comprehensive anticorrosion and antifouling coating solution for a new barge constructed for Ecuador’s aquaculture sector. Built at a major shipyard in Guayaquil, the project was supported by Pintusariato S.A., WEG’s authorised distributor in the country.

The coating system was designed to withstand the harsh operating conditions faced by aquaculture vessels, including continuous exposure to saltwater, moisture, and marine organisms. These factors accelerate corrosion and degrade metal structures, making effective protective coatings crucial for maintaining the vessel’s structural integrity and operational reliability.

For the project, WEG delivered a comprehensive industrial marine coating system covering the vessel’s underwater hull, topsides, deck, deckhouse, and interior spaces. The specification combines high-performance anticorrosive and antifouling technologies to protect metal surfaces from harsh marine conditions while limiting the attachment of organisms to the hull.

Beyond protecting the vessel’s structure, the antifouling system helps sustain operational performance by limiting marine growth on submerged surfaces. A cleaner hull reduces hydrodynamic drag, helping prevent efficiency losses and unnecessary increases in energy consumption.

The selection of WEG’s solutions reflects the trust established through earlier collaboration. This is the customer’s second vessel of this type to use WEG coating systems, following the strong performance achieved on the previous project. Those results helped strengthen the partnership and supported the decision to select WEG again for the new vessel.

The coating system is expected to provide longer-lasting protection while streamlining future maintenance. When correctly applied and maintained, WEG’s industrial marine coatings can reduce the need to strip surfaces back to bare metal, helping shorten maintenance periods and lower associated costs.

WEG’s contribution to the new barge strengthens its position in Ecuador’s marine sector and highlights its expertise in developing coating solutions for highly corrosive environments. Through its portfolio of anticorrosive technologies, the company continues to help shipyards, vessel operators, and aquaculture businesses improve asset reliability, durability, and operational efficiency throughout a vessel’s service life.

Source: WEG