The challenge
Ferries are effective water transport, but the harsh aquatic elements they face lead to a lot of upkeep.
One Swiss ferry operator wanted to reduce overall maintenance on its fleet. The exterior coating the company had been using required reapplication every six months due to paint degradation and color fade. This cost the company time, resources and money — not only in direct cost to pay for the upkeep but also in lost revenue because the boat had to be off the water for maintenance.
Management needed a longer-lasting coating to protect the ferries while preserving their vibrant appearance. They turned to a coatings formulator in search of a solution to meet their specific performance needs.
The solution
The ferry operator and coatings formulator set out to develop a more UV-resistant coating. They engaged with a materials distributor familiar with Eastman Tetrashield™ protective resin systems. They knew Tetrashield PC4000 for protective coatings demonstrated superior weathering and color retention and enabled easy application.
The coating formulator found Tetrashield PC4000 met or even exceeded all the ferry operator's desired specifications through lab testing. The resin is powered by a unique monomer, TMCD, which provides exceptional hydrolytic stability against UV exposure and in corrosive environments. The hydrolytic stability allows Tetrashield PC4000 to provide the formulation with long-term weathering and color retention.
Eastman's technical experts, the distributor and the formulator all worked together to bring a successful solution that passed lab trials and a two-year field trial.
The result
The formulator supplied the ferry operator with a new coating powered by Tetrashield PC4000. The coating was applied in a field trial with a single ferryboat and monitored under normal operating conditions. Routine inspections, crew observations and formal audits tracked both appearance and performance over time. Rather than fading or failing within the operator’s previous six‑month expectation, the coating maintained an attractive appearance and performed reliably well beyond that benchmark.
The coating’s resilience became clear as the trial progressed. Gloss, color retention and film integrity all remained strong through ongoing use and exposure. By the time the trial reached its full audit, independent assessments confirmed the formulation stood up to the demands of daily service.
Because of that sustained performance, the team now expects the ferry to remain in service without repainting for several more years. That extended repaint interval reduces downtime and maintenance costs, simplifies planning for the operator and ultimately delivers a durable finish to enhance the vessel’s appearance in its marine environment.
