International brings premium antifouling solution Micron 350 to the Asia-Pacific market
by AkzoNobel 11 Aug 14:04 PDT
International® Micron® 350 © International®
AkzoNobel, one of the global leaders in high-performance yacht coatings, is launching its premium antifouling solution, International® Micron® 350, into the Asia-Pacific market.
Following the product's success in Europe, the expanded introduction of Micron 350 brings proven antifouling technology from International® to boat owners and professional applicators across Asia-Pacific. The launch is in direct response to significant demand from boat owners and professional applicators for reliable, easy-to-use, multi-season antifouling which works effectively in the world's most demanding high-fouling waters.
Engineered to meet the specific challenges of Asia-Pacific waters, where warm tropical and subtropical conditions accelerate fouling growth, including barnacles, slime, algae and weed, Micron 350 provides consistent protection even when the boat is stationary. Unlike hard antifoulings, it continuously smooths as it wears, preventing excessive paint build-up over time. Boat owners benefit from a continuously smoothing finish that reduces drag, improves hull efficiency, and reduces the need for extensive maintenance between seasons.
Offering up to two years of antifouling performance, Micron 350 is suitable for both professional yards and DIY boat owners and can be applied up to 12 months before launch, requiring two or three coats by brush or roller, depending on the duration of protection desired. Micron 350 can also be applied using airless spray by professional applicators.
Recommended for use as part of an International® system, including Interprotect® and Primocon® primers, Micron 350 is available in black and blue and is suitable for use across GRP/FRP, steel, wood, cast iron, and lead hull types, as well as a wide range of boat sizes and all water environments.
Simon Knight, Yacht Regional Sales Manager, APAC, AkzoNobel, said: "We have listened to feedback from Asia-Pacific boaters who are facing real challenges when sailing in some of the toughest fouling conditions in the world. The warm, tropical waters mean that the performance, reliability and durability of their chosen antifouling solution is vital. Micron 350 has been developed specifically to address those demands. It delivers uncompromising fouling protection, even in the harshest sailing environments."
Eve Lenez, Yacht Segment Manager at AkzoNobel, added: "Micron 350 represents the right product, at the right time, for the right market. For years, European boaters have relied on Micron 350 antifouling for dependable, long-lasting hull protection, underpinned by decades of research and development from the globally recognized International® brand. Our engagement with customers made it clear that boaters in Asia-Pacific needed access to the same leading technology from AkzoNobel, offering comprehensive multi-season performance without added complexity. We are proud to bring Micron 350 to the Asia-Pacific market, ensuring that both everyday boaters and professional applicators can benefit from the proven performance of this product."
Micron 350 has a strong track record in Europe, proven across a wide range of boat types and operating conditions, earning the trust of owners, captains and marine professionals. One such user is Captain Osvaldo Cioppi, who skippers the Pershing 72 SILVER PEARL. Based in the Mediterranean, the yacht undertakes extensive cruising each year, including long-distance passages through a variety of climates and fouling conditions: "Micron 350 has given me peace of mind that my boat will come out clean at the next haul-out, even when it remains stationary in the harbor during the winter months. Sailing through different regions, I have noticed that it performs well in both cold waters and tropical waters. When I know I'll be sailing many miles during the year, I always make sure to apply an extra coat."