The Stelcatec system is a low-VOC isocyanate-free polyurethane coating specifically designed to repair damaged original coatings on ZPMC cranes.
German container terminals are now using the Steelpaint’s innovative corrosion protection coating Stelcatec to repair paintwork on ZPMC ship-to-shore cranes. Following the Chinese manufacturer’s seal of approval in 2023, the system has been deployed at terminals in Hamburg, Bremerhaven, and Wilhelmshaven.
“When protective coatings on ship-to-shore cranes get damaged a two-component epoxy is typically used for spot repairs, but if you don’t get the mixing right, the paint will blister and be ineffective in protecting against corrosion. It’s a long process and curing takes time,” has stated Dmitry Gromilin, Chief Technical Supervisor at Steelpaint.
Traditional two-component epoxy coatings often face long drying times, particularly when substrate temperatures are low. Variations in ambient and substrate temperatures can delay application until favourable conditions arise, leading to extended crane downtime. By contrast, Stelcatec significantly reduces maintenance time and costs with its advanced formulation.
“Taking a ship-to-shore crane out of commission costs the terminal money, delaying container loading/unloading operations. They wanted a ZPMC-approved one-component system that would obviate mixing errors, reduce material waste, speed up the drying process and reduce the time cranes are out of service. With Stelcatec-L, the coating can be applied and cured within a working day,” has added Steelpaint Sales Director Frank Müller.
The selection of Stelcatec followed successful patch testing at one of Europe’s largest container terminals. ZPMC’s subsequent testing and certification reinforced the system’s reliability for both existing and newly built cranes. Developed over four years, Stelcatec is a single-pack, moisture-curing polyurethane paint free of isocyanates and with very low solvent content. It can be applied by brush, roller, or spray in extreme conditions, including temperatures ranging from -5°C to 50°C and relative humidity up to 98%.
“Terminal operators want an effective, reliable and safe corrosion protection system capable of reducing maintenance costs and downtime. Compared to two-component epoxies, Stelcatec-L is a very impressive, durable coating system that we now specify for all our crane refurbishment projects,” has added Achim Wallat, Adamium Project Manager.
Certified for ISO 12944 standards with 25 years of protection in corrosivity category C5 environments, Stelcatec offers fast drying times and impressive dry film thickness (DFT) ranging between 80-120 µm. Steelpaint is also conducting patch testing in Asian terminals and expects full-coat application orders in the near future.
“It is ideally suited for maintenance projects where time is of the essence. As Stelcatec can be applied 24/7, nighttime repairs are possible, reducing the time and costs associated with touch up work. Terminal operators no longer have to take a crane out of service for weeks on end for coatings work,” has concluded Frank Müller.
About Steelpaint GmbH
With over 40 years of experience, Steelpaint has been at the forefront of enhancing the lifespan and durability of heavy-industry infrastructure, particularly in maritime sectors. Leveraging advanced one-component polyurethane resins, the German-based company delivers high-tech coatings that outperform conventional epoxy solutions in corrosion resistance. Steelpaint is a subsidiary of Emil Harrasser, a coatings specialist founded in Kitzingen, Germany, in 1890. Its products are widely used in port facilities, offshore platforms, sheet pilings, tanks, bridges, and ship structures, often in combination with cathodic protection systems.